A priest friend shared with me some of his surprise at the effect, or lack thereof, that his preaching ministry has had on various members of his community.
He shared, “Brandon, in the seminary, I thought that we would come out, speak of God’s love, call people to the truth through convincing presentation of the Gospel, and thousands would be baptized, sort of like the effect Peter’s words had on the crowds.”
I said, “REALLY?... Why did you think that!” I was teasing him. But he was serious. He really had the impression that people would be naturally drawn to truth, Jesus, when spoken of with love.
I asked, “So do you regret, or would you take back, any of your preaching efforts because they have not had the effect you were expecting?”
“Not for all the money in the world!”, came his reply. “This is what we are called to do. Speak the truth with love. I’ll do this till the Lord calls me home.”
I was inspired by my friend’s enthusiasm and commitment to the vocation. Reminded me of St. Peter’s exhortation in today’s second reading, “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope”.
The priest is called to do this in a special way, give reason for our hope, but all the baptized are called to give witness to our Lord. We are all called to give witness to the love and truth, the hope, that we have found in Jesus Christ and his Church.
The question we might have to ask ourselves, however, is whether or not we are ready for the consequences of that witness when living in a world that “neither sees or knows him (the Spirit of truth)…living in a world that is, so sad to say, less and less interested in Jesus.
May the Lord use this time of “shelter in place” to draw us closer to himself. And as we experience afresh the power of his love, may we be emboldened, as society begins to re-open, to go back into the world ready to speak of the reason for our hope, Jesus Christ.
Christ’s Peace,
Fr. Brandon Ware