THE POWER OF INVITATION
31 SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
One day, after the Morning Prayer I approached a Lady and said, “Would you like to be a Lector.” I thought she had a beautiful voice, clear and distinct. She reluctantly agreed. She is an excellent lector today. Recently she told me, “Father, thank you for inviting me to be a lector. I really wanted to do some ministry but I was not sure about my ability. Your invitation was timely and that gave me a lot of self-confidence and affirmation.”
A simple invitation and a loving word of affirmation can do wonders in the life of people. The best example is the story of Zacchaeus (LK18:9-14). Zacchaeus was not a bad person. (Our general impression about Zacchaeus is that he was a sinner) The gospel does not label him as a sinner. Zacchaeus did not confess any sin. Instead what he said was: “If I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.”
Zacchaeus’ problem was social stigma. People labeled Tax Collectors as sinners. The society could not see him differently because of his profession. Actually, Zacchaeus wanted to follow Jesus. He wanted to share his blessings for the good of others. His dilemma was twofold. On the one hand, there was social prejudice against his profession and on the other hand, his fear of societal rejection. As a result he did not make his desire public. Jesus, however, saw his heart. Jesus could see him independent of his profession. Jesus saw his desire. Jesus found in him a suitable companion. Jesus found his home a suitable resting place for him. Jesus made his opinion public. This acknowledgment and public recognition made a big difference in his life. He was even willing to share his own property with others.
There are high spots in all of our lives, and most of them have come about through encouragement from someone else. Some are victims of prejudices. Some are victims of fear. They have a lot to offer. They want to be part of the main stream. Can I help them to come out of their shackles of bondage? Do I have the courage to act like Jesus? People criticized Jesus. They may not spare you either. Do not crowd let dictate our behavior!
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Sandhill cranes are large birds who fly great distance across continents. They have three remarkable qualities. First, they rotate leadership. No one bird stay in front all the time. Second, they choose leaders they can handle turbulence. Thirdly, all during the time one bird is leading, the rest are honking their affirmation. (Bruce Larson)
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31 SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
One day, after the Morning Prayer I approached a Lady and said, “Would you like to be a Lector.” I thought she had a beautiful voice, clear and distinct. She reluctantly agreed. She is an excellent lector today. Recently she told me, “Father, thank you for inviting me to be a lector. I really wanted to do some ministry but I was not sure about my ability. Your invitation was timely and that gave me a lot of self-confidence and affirmation.”
A simple invitation and a loving word of affirmation can do wonders in the life of people. The best example is the story of Zacchaeus (LK18:9-14). Zacchaeus was not a bad person. (Our general impression about Zacchaeus is that he was a sinner) The gospel does not label him as a sinner. Zacchaeus did not confess any sin. Instead what he said was: “If I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.”
Zacchaeus’ problem was social stigma. People labeled Tax Collectors as sinners. The society could not see him differently because of his profession. Actually, Zacchaeus wanted to follow Jesus. He wanted to share his blessings for the good of others. His dilemma was twofold. On the one hand, there was social prejudice against his profession and on the other hand, his fear of societal rejection. As a result he did not make his desire public. Jesus, however, saw his heart. Jesus could see him independent of his profession. Jesus saw his desire. Jesus found in him a suitable companion. Jesus found his home a suitable resting place for him. Jesus made his opinion public. This acknowledgment and public recognition made a big difference in his life. He was even willing to share his own property with others.
There are high spots in all of our lives, and most of them have come about through encouragement from someone else. Some are victims of prejudices. Some are victims of fear. They have a lot to offer. They want to be part of the main stream. Can I help them to come out of their shackles of bondage? Do I have the courage to act like Jesus? People criticized Jesus. They may not spare you either. Do not crowd let dictate our behavior!
========================================================
Sandhill cranes are large birds who fly great distance across continents. They have three remarkable qualities. First, they rotate leadership. No one bird stay in front all the time. Second, they choose leaders they can handle turbulence. Thirdly, all during the time one bird is leading, the rest are honking their affirmation. (Bruce Larson)
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