Word to the Wise
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 - St. Andrew, Apostle
[Romans 10:9-18 and Matthew 4:18-22]But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed?<br />And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard?<br />And how can they hear without someone to preach?<br />And how can people preach unless they are sent?
The word "apostle" comes from a Greek word meaning "to be sent." I think we would all agree that the apostles were "sent" to preach. However, I don't think we would all agree that WE have been "sent!"
I may have mentioned some time ago that during my time as a pastor in San Antonio, the parish council decided that we needed to have a better idea of how many Catholic households there were in the parish. We were fairly sure there were more than were registered. So, we asked for volunteers to go out "two by two" on a given Saturday to canvas the parish. We trained the volunteers on how to approach a front door and ask a couple of simple questions. On the Saturday, we celebrated a Mass and "commissioned" the twosomes and "sent" them on their way. They all came back with some interesting stories to tell, and they thought it was all worthwhile but they never wanted to do it again!!! I could add another line to St. Paul's questions: How can you send people when they don't want to go?
By virtue of our baptism, we are commissioned to preach the gospel! There are many ways to do this, but, as St. Paul says, hearing is extremely important. How is anyone going to hear of Jesus Christ if we keep our mouths shut about him? Most importantly for the laity is to understand that the church pulpit is not where they should be preaching. The pulpit of the laity is wherever they are! This is what is meant by evangelization! I have no objection in principle to lay persons preaching in the church, but I wish more would preach wherever they are! Are we as attracted to the message of Jesus as was St. Andrew, to the extent that we are willing to put aside what we are doing to bear witness?
In Advent, perhaps we can take a small step in the right direction through the way we try to remind folks of the "reason for the season" - the birth of Jesus Christ (and NOT the rescue of the American economy)! We are all "sent" and there are many who need to hear so that they can believe! AMEN
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