https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110323.cfm
A fruit of evangelization – restoring someone’s dignity.
A common understanding of evangelization is going from door to door, asking people if they believe in Jesus. For many of us, that is not our cup of tea. Nor is it what the Church understands by evangelization.
Evangelization involves more than just sharing ideas or philosophies. Spreading the Good News involves our whole person. It follows the example of Jesus in the gospel today.
Jesus did two noteworthy things: First, He made the most of an ordinary event in his life and gave dignity to the man with dropsy.
Like Jesus, we evangelize in the very place where we find ourselves in God’s divine providence. You will never have to go far to find someone who needs Jesus and his life-giving love. Seek His Presence in that person you are with at the time, and you will find Him. Like Jesus, see the person, not just what they need.
Then, treat each person with the greatest sense of dignity. More than healing the man from dropsy, Jesus restored the man’s dignity to the community.
The healing power of Jesus involves more than just a few words in prayer. We have to take time to get to know the person. St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta said, “There are unhappy people everywhere. Not only because they don’t have any bread to eat, they hunger for love, understanding, and companionship. They suffer from loneliness, the feeling of being unwanted and rejected, a poverty of soul. These things can be far worse than being hungry or not having enough material goods….”
The Gospel Challenge:
Take some time with a person who is hurting inside. They may be angry, depressed, or just sad; it takes time to discover this poverty of the soul. All Jesus needs is a moment of our time to bring a smile to their face and joy to their heart.
IGNITE THE FIRE.
God bless you, my friends.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
www.bscchurch.com
