"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words."
St. Francis of Assisi
Today, Pope Francis tells us::
"In the Gospel there's the beautiful passage about the shepherd who realizes that one of his sheep is missing, and he leaves the 99 to go out and find the one," Pope Francis told the parish leaders. "But, brothers and sisters, we have only one. We're missing 99! We must go out and find them."
National Catholic Reporter
Preach the Gospel!
Evangelize!
Is standing on the corner not your forte? Most likely, that's not an option. Many are home bound. Small children make preaching on corners difficult for Mom's and Dads. Of course, there are jobs that require our presence to support families. Some are ill. So, if we are to follow the call that Pope Francis gives us as Catholics, how do we bring the gospel to the masses? There are ways, tried and true ways, to help bring the 99 home.
1) Begin with prayer, daily prayer, for the conversion of sinners. The Rosary is a powerful tool for any need. Pray the Rosary. Ask the Lord for the conversion of all. How could he refuse a sincere heart and soul? This is how we begin to serve.
2) Offer it up! You've heard this before. You stub your toe. Offer it up. You have a bad day. Offer it up. Your children are causing you great sorrow. Offer it up. You were given a raise at work. Offer it up. Your baby took its first steps. Offer it up. Rather than eat all of your lunch, eat half of your lunch and offer it up. Offer your day for the conversion of sinners. Give your day to God for His greater honor and glory. How can He refuse your offerings for sinners?
3) Attend Eucharistic Adoration as often as you can. Praise and adore God at Adoration. Pray for the conversion of sinners. Pray that the 99 will return.
4) You know that crabby person checking out your groceries. Rather than react, choose to act with kindness to that person. Smile at them. Silently offer up a prayer for them. Thank them for doing a good job. ("Always preach the gospel. If necessary, use words.")
5) Use your financial resources to support church causes for evangelization and relief work. Let your acts of kindness show the world, even if you are only able to donate a small amount, that Jesus is alive in our world today. (If necessary, use words.)
We are all called to share the messages of the gospel. Pray. God will show you the way. Prayer is your most powerful tool. Use it hourly. Use it daily. Use it as often as you can.
Pope Francis said, ""Be creative. Be audacious. Do not be afraid."
National Catholic Reporter
St. Francis of Assisi
Today, Pope Francis tells us::
"In the Gospel there's the beautiful passage about the shepherd who realizes that one of his sheep is missing, and he leaves the 99 to go out and find the one," Pope Francis told the parish leaders. "But, brothers and sisters, we have only one. We're missing 99! We must go out and find them."
National Catholic Reporter
Preach the Gospel!
Evangelize!
Is standing on the corner not your forte? Most likely, that's not an option. Many are home bound. Small children make preaching on corners difficult for Mom's and Dads. Of course, there are jobs that require our presence to support families. Some are ill. So, if we are to follow the call that Pope Francis gives us as Catholics, how do we bring the gospel to the masses? There are ways, tried and true ways, to help bring the 99 home.
1) Begin with prayer, daily prayer, for the conversion of sinners. The Rosary is a powerful tool for any need. Pray the Rosary. Ask the Lord for the conversion of all. How could he refuse a sincere heart and soul? This is how we begin to serve.
2) Offer it up! You've heard this before. You stub your toe. Offer it up. You have a bad day. Offer it up. Your children are causing you great sorrow. Offer it up. You were given a raise at work. Offer it up. Your baby took its first steps. Offer it up. Rather than eat all of your lunch, eat half of your lunch and offer it up. Offer your day for the conversion of sinners. Give your day to God for His greater honor and glory. How can He refuse your offerings for sinners?
3) Attend Eucharistic Adoration as often as you can. Praise and adore God at Adoration. Pray for the conversion of sinners. Pray that the 99 will return.
4) You know that crabby person checking out your groceries. Rather than react, choose to act with kindness to that person. Smile at them. Silently offer up a prayer for them. Thank them for doing a good job. ("Always preach the gospel. If necessary, use words.")
5) Use your financial resources to support church causes for evangelization and relief work. Let your acts of kindness show the world, even if you are only able to donate a small amount, that Jesus is alive in our world today. (If necessary, use words.)
We are all called to share the messages of the gospel. Pray. God will show you the way. Prayer is your most powerful tool. Use it hourly. Use it daily. Use it as often as you can.
Pope Francis said, ""Be creative. Be audacious. Do not be afraid."
National Catholic Reporter
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