Do Not Lead Anyone Astray
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081324.cfm
Every morning after I finish adoration with Jesus, I lift the monstrance at benediction, and I lift to the Lord people who have strayed from the practice of their Faith. I ask forgiveness if I lead anyone astray through a bad example. I also surrender to Jesus people who are faithful and people who are unfaithful to Him. They are all very close to my heart.
When asked who was the greatest in the Kingdom of God, Jesus called the child over and said that unless we turn and become like children, we will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Think about how a child is dependent upon the parent for everything. We can do nothing until Jesus shows us the way, giving us His heart for people who have strayed from the fold.
My friends, our hearts turn from our solutions and quick fixes to the heart of Christ when we spend considerable time with Him in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There is no other way for Christ to give us his heart full of mercy for those who offend us. It’s all about a personal encounter.
Brandon Vogt, author of Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church, writes,
To put it simply, the ultimate reason people leave the Catholic Church is because they are not rooted in a living encounter with Jesus in the Church. If they consistently encounter the Lord despite all the problems, frustrations, and pain they may suffer in the Church, they would nevertheless echo St. Peter’s reply to Jesus when he asked whether Peter would leave him: ‘Master, to whom shall we go?’ (John 6:68).
Gospel Challenge:
Let us pray before the Blessed Sacrament for someone we know who has hurt us. Pray for the grace to look past what they did to see only the good person hidden behind their words and actions. Love that person with the mercy Jesus has shown you over time. If we win our brother/sister over, praise God. If not, we can keep looking and praying. I promise you a heart filled with peace, whatever the outcome.
Love One Another!
Father Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor@bscchurch.com
