This whole Christian discipleship thing would be so much easier if we could all just surround ourselves with people who thought the way we do about the world. We could sit around and affirm each other. Pat each other on the back.
Feel good about ourselves.
But I've been thinking about something lately. What if I take a risk and open the gate a little wider... to people who are not like me, people who don't think like I do, people who find Christianity in general (and the Catholic faith in particular) somewhat offensive?
Ah, now it gets interesting.
If I show the love of Christ only to those who already know the love of Christ, what good is that?
If I show the love of Christ to those who don't find the good news of the Gospel good news at all, then something could happen. Something is bound to happen. And that something just might be something that resembles a miracle.
So, I think 2013 should be the year of opening the gates a little wider. I think 2013 should be about faithful discipleship outside our comfort zones.
Christ had some interesting friends. I think it would be good if I did too.
Because it is quite possible that God wants to raise a few more out of the mire. That can't even begin to happen unless we go to the mirey clay and extend a hand to the person who is stuck there. That kind of metanoia does not begin with casting stones. It begins with love.
Denise, you've probably gotten this many times before, but I've named you for the Blog of the Year Award. You can visit my blog at http://contemplativehomeschool.wordpress.com for details. Thanks for all your beautiful posts!
ReplyDeleteDear Denise Bossert, Thank you for this small write up, a good inspiration for this Year of Faith. And this year 2013 should really be 'wider' so as to include others, and our hospitality and genuine concern should really speak for who we are.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that I visited your blog, all the best and thank you.