I Made a Difference to That One

Most of us are familiar with the modern parable of the man who walked down to the beach one morning after a powerful storm. The wind and waves had thrown thousands of starfish up on the sandy beach where they would soon perish from the rising sun. He came upon a small boy who was picking the starfish up one by one and casting them back into the ocean. The man shook his head and told the boy, “Don’t you know there are too many? Their fate is sealed. You’ll never make a difference. The boy looked up and down the beach, bent down, and picked up another starfish. Flinging it into the surf, he looked the man in the eye, smiled and said, “I made a difference to that one.”

Whether saving starfish, stopping littering, or helping former Catholics or non-Catholics back to the historical church of Jesus of Nazareth, we have a duty to perform and this is done one person at a time. We must reject the excuses that appear in our minds. Continuing with these excuses from Patrick Madrid’s Search and Rescue:

6.  “I don’t want to”

OK. Here we are. We have peeled down to the deepest layer, what all the other excuses are built upon. “I’m lazy and afraid and unsure of myself. I’m not the right person for this job. And when you get right down to it, God, I really don’t want to go on this mission for You.” Moses tried this. “…oh my Lord, send, I pray, some other person” (Exodus 4:13). In spite of his objections, God promised that He would provide Moses’ brother Aaron to be Moses’ speaker, for Aaron was an eloquent speaker. Today, in your own life, God has provided you with many Aarons. Here at Good Shepherd, we have Bible studies, Faith and Fellowship, Catholic Faith overview, Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) retreats, Rosary and Donuts, Women’s Group, Men’s Club, etc. The kiosk near the entrance to the church is filled with wonderful CD’s that you can confidently hand to a friend or coworker. There are dozens of Catholic websites (such as Knights of Columbus www.kofc.org or United States Conference of Catholic Bishops www.usccb.org) where you can learn more about your faith.

 

There are lots of other excuses: “I’m too old; I’m too young; I’m too shy: I don’t have time; I’m not prepared; I’m too busy; I don’t want to look like a religious fanatic; religion is a private affair between God and me…”

            Stop with the excuses.

            God is calling you.

            Just do it.

            Be a Disciple!

What Does the Bible Say?

“You don't know the first thing about tomorrow. You're nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing.  Instead, make it a habit to say, ‘If the Master wills it and we're still alive, we'll do this or that.’"

— James 4:14-15

 

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

— Matthew 28: 19-20

 

 

Evangelizing Challenge This Week

Wear a bracelet (there are even mini rosary bracelets), wrist band or pendant that identifies you as a Christian; or have visible in your workspace, office and your home a crucifix, holy card, picture of Jesus or a saint. You are called to be a disciple and to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15); and to youth in particular, Paul wrote in his first letter to Timothy, “Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Until I arrive, attend to the reading of scripture, preaching, and teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:12-13). Without saying a word, you are witnessing for the Faith and for the peace, grace and mercy of Jesus.