(PRACTICING) CATHOLIC - RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS

By Colleen Jurkiewicz Dorman

The Christ You See

“What if you are the only version of Christ someone sees today?” a friend once asked me.

My blood ran cold. Jeez, I thought. That would be…really unfortunate.

The world cannot accept the Holy Spirit, Christ tells us, because the world cannot see and know the Holy Spirit (John 14:17). But the world can see us. The world can know us. In this way, we accomplish the Great Commission: we go forth, and we make disciples of all nations. In all that we are and all that we do, we offer an explanation for our hope (1 Peter 3:15).

We face a unique situation, 2,000 years after the Resurrection, because our mission field is full of people who have already heard about Christ.

And they have zero interest, thanks-and-please-get-off-my-porch.

This Christ they’ve seen? He puts himself first. He’s suspicious of other people. He’s not interested in mixing with the wrong crowd. He’s been known to lie, to abuse trust, to protect himself.

Here’s the problem: they haven’t seen Christ at all. They’ve only seen Christians.

It’s easy to blame the obvious culprits: the priest consumed in public scandal, the parish trustee who stole from the coffers. But these are only larger versions of the same failure of which I am guilty each time I shiver at the thought of someone associating my behavior, my words, and my attitude with my Savior.

I am not Christ. I am nowhere close. But I am fortunate enough to be a member of his Body.

We all fail, of course. Every apostle, every saint, every bishop, every priest, every man and woman in the pews: we are all broken. We are all in need of redemption. When we accept that redemption, however, we also accept responsibility. Because now, we become what the world sees of Christ.

Am I ready to be the only version of Christ someone sees today?

Everyday Stewardship

My children could never succeed without their mother and me. That isn't me thinking too much of ourselves, it is just a fact. No one can find success in life in total isolation. I could never have become who I am today without my parents, various teachers and mentors, and my wife. Truth be told, I probably owe a lot of who I am to my children as well.

I can only imagine the fear and concern of the first disciples when it was apparent that Jesus was not going to be with them much longer. Some probably thought since Jesus had risen from the dead, he might just live with them in the same way forever. But Jesus tried to calm their fears by assuring them, "I will not leave you orphans." He said he would continue to come to them and that he would send the Spirit to be with them at all times. They would not have to continue what he had started and preach the good news to the ends of the earth on their own.

We may sometimes feel that we are alone. We may at times try to do too much or show others that we are independent and strong. However, without the help of others, without the help of God, true success will always elude us. Our actions and words can become empty. The gifts we have received can either be cultivated in secret and in the shadows, or we can welcome the help that God provides in his Spirit, his community, and the sacraments he gave us. By working together the world will truly know the power of the risen Lord.

Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS

 Have you made your will? If not, the State of NH has made one for you. It just may not distribute your assets the way you would like. For starters your property may be tied up in probate for well over a year and then distributed to your spouse and children without any consideration about how they might manage the funds. We invite you to attend “With Grace We Life and Leave – A Life Planning Workshop” to learn how you can ensure your estate is managed after you are no longer here.

 Are you worried that it’s too costly and complex to use an attorney to write your will or trust? Making a will or trust is not as expensive as you think. In fact, there are ways you can create a simple will for no charge at all! However, not having a will or trust may cost your family a great deal. Please join us at our upcoming workshop: “With Grace We Life and Leave – A Life Planning Workshop” to learn what information you need to gather how to make the process more effective for you!

 What happens if you are incapacitated and cannot communicate the type of medical care you wish? Your family and medical specialists must make their best guess with what your wish may be. This can cause undue stress to family members, and your wants or needs may not be met in the way you would like. Preparing a health care directive that states what quality of life you consider appropriate can be your answer. Find out how to share your wishes with your family, doctors, and others close to you by attending “With Grace We Life and Leave – A Life Planning Workshop.”

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