Witnesses of Jesus

In regretting a lapse of courtesy, Rosemary Bogdan ponders how spreading love witnesses to God’s love.

We are called to be witnesses of Jesus. So the Lord tells us, as the Church celebrates the Ascension of the Lord on either this coming Thursday or the following Sunday, depending upon where you live. If you are a busy mom or grandmom, I imagine you might be wondering how to do that. While raising children, how can we make disciples of all nations while also changing diapers, keeping everyone fed and clothed, and taking them where they need to be?

Must we all be missionaries carrying the Gospel to the ends of the earth? We can pray for missionaries and organizations that are spreading the Gospel, such as Catholic media. We can also give as we are able to support their efforts. Those are ways we help to carry the Good News to others. But I think there are other ways, much closer to home.

Father Francis Fernandez, in his wonderful series In Conversation with God, tells us in the reading for the Ascension, “Jesus wishes each of us to remain in his place, sanctifying the world from within, improving it and placing it at the feet of God.” Are we not witnesses to everyone we encounter in everyday life?

We are doing some remodeling on our house and needed to choose a paint color. I spoke to the clerk in a curt tone of voice. It doesn’t matter that he had not addressed what I just said. Nor does it matter that I had had very little sleep the night before and was feeling very stressed about the project. I was wearing my cross. I was not witnessing to Jesus when I could have. I could have been patient and kind. I could have carried that little cross instead of just wearing one. I’m so sorry, Lord.

Father Hernandez continues,

The ordinary norms of courtesy (how we greet others, our cordiality and spirit of service), which for many are merely conventional and external, have to be in us the fruit of charity and an expression of real interest in someone else.

By practicing courtesy, recognizing the genuine humanity of strangers we encounter, bearing with them when necessary, we give witness to the Gospel. It spreads the love of God and builds the Kingdom. Yet it is such a simple thing. Courtesy is important. It is important to practice and it is important to model to others, especially in our family.

null

We witness to Jesus when we teach our children God’s truth, when we explain the faith, and when we answer their questions. Most importantly we witness to Jesus when we model His love to them. Even when nursing a young baby, we are proclaiming the Gospel. The love that the baby feels lays the foundation for the love we hope he will one day have toward God and to others. It teaches him what love is and thus who God is, since God is love.

Click to tweet:
Most importantly, we witness to Jesus when we model His love. #catholicmom

As our children get older, the loving is not as simple. As they become teenagers it becomes especially challenging. They will at times defy and provoke us. I found it helpful at such times to silently call on the intercession of their patron saints. Sometimes I called on my own patrons as well. Asking for grace when needed is important. It also slows down the conversation and gives the brain a little more time to think and receive God’s peace. Each interaction, whether with strangers or family, is important in witnessing to the love of God.

null

But those failures, right? We fail over and over again. Most of us probably fail, at least in minor ways, every single day. But we have a God of endless mercy. Loving and serving Him means begging for His mercy, His help, and His forgiveness. We will always fall and He will always help us up. With His help we will improve ever so gradually. The Lord knows the desire of our hearts to serve Him and He leads us along the way.

As we do our daily duties, what Catherine Doherty has called “the duty of the moment,” we are serving the Lord and building the kingdom, one small task at a time. Loving builds the Kingdom. Love begets love. And love witnesses to Jesus..

Oh Lord, please help us to be your witnesses by loving the best we can, in every situation of our lives.