A Moment Aside for January 26, 2021

 

A Moment Aside --- 26 January 2021

                                                                  

     There are a few so-called quotes that illustrate this idea to some extent. I say “so-called” because I cannot find solid references to the person they’re attached to.

“Preach the Gospel. If necessary, use words.” – St. Francis of Assisi

“Who has ever seen people persuaded to love God by harshness?” – St. John of the Cross

     I have not been able to track down proof that those words were said by the men they are attributed to. The quote from the author, Madeleine L’Engle, is different. Still all say the same thing. Ms. L’Engle (1918-2007) was an American writer of fiction and poetry. She was known for her interest in modern science and for her Christian faith.

     People are attracted to Christ by seeing his light shine through us. We will fail at that naturally. When we realize our own failures at this, it is worth remembering that we are not the only Christian a person might meet in their life. There are other things that might cause a person to not see Christ in us. Maybe we like bologna and they don’t. Maybe we enjoy the cold of winter and they don’t. Who knows? One thing we can be sure of is that grace abounds and God reaches out to people in so many ways. There are others who may fit better with that person.

     Our “ministry” here in our lives might not be to make converts or “win souls for Christ.” Our personal character and style might not aid us in doing that. Our true ministry is to sew the seeds of faith by our lives, our prayers, and our own living faith. God gives the grace and maybe we just smear it on everything. Live the Gospel according to God’s grace and his light will shine through us.