Hello again, By My Side friends. Welcome back.
I hope you are all enjoying your summer and getting some much-needed rest. The month of August is often a time for us to slow down, listen, and ask ourselves a simple but life-changing question: Am I truly following the Lord, or simply asking Him to follow my plans?
When we receive emailed invitations, there are usually 3 options to respond. Yes, No, and Maybe. Honestly, people should know if they are free or not. Perhaps they just don’t want to commit.
In Jesus’ last words in Matthew’s Gospel, He gives the Great Commission to His disciples, His most important invitation: Go, Make Disciples. Baptize and Teach. Remember that Jesus is inviting His disciples to continue His mission. To build His church, to love as Jesus loved, and to let people know that Jesus is with them always. The same Great Commission is true of His followers today. Just imagine them giving a non-committal “Maybe.”
In a world that says “keep religion private,” it takes courage to publicly live and speak the name of Jesus Christ. Faith isn’t something to hide – it’s something to boldly live, says Mario Lopez.
As Catholics and Christians, we are called to be light in the darkness, to witness with conviction, humility, and love. The culture may say avoid talking about faith, but the Gospel says: “Go and make disciples.”
Don’t be ashamed of your faith. Someone around you may need your witness more than you realize. “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 10:32)
It’s not that Christianity doesn’t work. But for many in our culture today, it’s never really been tried. I think, as true believers, we need to deep down continually ask ourselves honestly this simple question: Do we care more about what others think or what Jesus thinks of us and our actions? Are we promoting Him to our sphere of influence?
Every day Jesus sends all of us invitations. They come through His Word, through the people we meet, the needs we encounter, and life’s challenges we face. They come through the deepest desires of our hearts. Jesus is the one stirring us to act or rest, to start or let go, to reflect, remember, or recommit. He knows exactly what we need.
For those walking the difficult road of separation or divorce, Jesus’ invitation remains the same: “Come Follow Me.” He knows the path to healing, hope, and the peace our hearts long for. A personal invitation to collaborate with Him. Is your answer a Yes, No, or Maybe?
A little more food for thought. Enjoy the rest of your summer, everyone.
Love,
MJ xo
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