Photo by Cody Engel on Unsplash
It is no secret, especially to those who keep an eye open for studies on faith participation, that these days for the Christian faith present a challenge. It is simple. For more and more people, especially the young, Christian faith is simply not a factor in their lives.
For some, this is because life has brought them pain and suffering. Parents divorce, or illness kills, or life is filled with violence and anger. For others, they simply disagree with the Christian worldview.
But for some, it is the lack of hearing a compelling argument or explanation as to why it matters whether we believe in Jesus. And for those of us who believe, that is on us.
When was the last time you had a significant conversation (not an argument) that caused someone to consider belief in Jesus? What is it you do to help nonbelievers (or believers who are lukewarm) consider the ways a relationship with Jesus could make a powerful difference in your life.
In his prayer, Jesus says this: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.” Just think of the power of these words. Jesus prays for those who share their faith and bring others to Jesus. Those disciples cause Jesus to proclaim this: “Father, they are your gift to me.”
Are you a gift of the Father to Jesus? Do you believe so deeply in Jesus that you feel compelled in the Spirit to proclaim him to others? For if our relationship with Jesus is so important to us, we, in love, should want to share this relationship with others. In fact, this is the great commission Jesus gives to each of us. “Go, teach, baptize.”
Let us pray.
Dear Jesus, at the end of the gospel of St. Matthew you tell us to go to the people, to teach, and to baptize. Give us the grace to willingly share our faith with others, and to live in such a way they desire the faith we have. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Music: Cheezy Piano Medley by Alexander Nakarada
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/4833-cheezy-piano-medley
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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