Monday, July 30, 2012

We are mustard shrubs and yeast

An amazing reality for me is the fact that, 2,000 years after Jesus death, we still "know" Him. Most people's memory fades rather quickly after they die. In my own reflections and prayer I realize that I will probably not be remembered beyond the lives of my grandchildren. Yet, Jesus legacy lives on and on and on. He did this by inspiring a relatively small bunch of followers (12 apostles and a few dozen disciples) to go out into the world and proclaim His name, His identity and His teachings. In doing so these people became the yeast that leavens the whole loaf and the shrub grown from a small seed that ends of sheltering many birds. By following Jesus' commands and working in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, these men and women formed and passed on the Church that carries forward the message today.
Think this through. The only way the next generation and the one after that are going to believe is for you and I to pass on what we have received. As we come to Mass and receive Jesus in Word and in Sacrament we take on an enormous responsibility - that of becoming "salt and light and leaven" to this world. The Mass is a great blessing for all who attend but that blessing is for the good of the entire community. Today, how can you and I go into our "worlds" and make the love of Jesus Christ present? We do it in word and in action. We have the strength of Jesus in us through the Sacrament and the support of our parish community. There are no excuses left - go and give out what you have received.

No comments:

Post a Comment