In today’s gospel, Jesus sends out his disciples to spread his teachings, but he never said it would be easy. In fact, he said it would be incredibly difficult. Despite this, the disciples are told to fear not, that they “will be given at that moment what to say.” And they are reminded to stay the course, and that “whoever endures to the end will be saved.”
We, too, are sent by Jesus to live out our faith in him, just like the disciples. Yet, how many of us cower in our faith in the face of adversity, hide when things get tough, and lose faith in moments that require the most faith? Despite my best efforts, I know I do! Life is messy, hardships and setbacks feel personal, and convenience often takes precedence over what we know is right—our faith in Christ! So, how do we more closely follow Jesus in our daily lives and be true witnesses to our faith?
I often think of a quote that was on my Uncle’s ordination cards—Fr. Mike McCafferty, C.S.C.: “To be a witness does not consist in engaging in propaganda, nor even in stirring people up, but in being a living mystery. It means to live in such a way that one’s life would not make sense if God did not exist.”
I have found comfort and strength in these words—and hope you do. May we all find the strength and courage to be true disciples of Christ, most especially in the uncomfortable and inconvenient moments and live in such a way that life would not make sense if God did not exist.