baptized, evangelistic, and catholic
"Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men of every nationality, speaking different tongues, shall take hold, yes, take hold of every Jew by the edge of his garment and say, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.' " —Zechariah 8:23
Jesus attracted people. He was mobbed by crowds. People even pushed and stepped on each other to get closer to Jesus (Lk 12:1). Jesus attracted people of all kinds — Jews, Gentiles, rich, poor, young, old, Pharisees, priests, tax-collectors, prostitutes, etc. Jesus fulfilled Zechariah's prophecy concerning an evangelistic power with universal, catholic appeal (Zec 8:23).
We who have been baptized into Christ are like Christ when we attract people of all kinds to Christ. We are evangelistic and catholic. We make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19). We do this by living our Baptisms. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to live our Baptisms. By letting the Holy Spirit run our lives, we have a new Pentecost in which people "of every nation under heaven" come to be baptized into Jesus (Acts 2:5). When we live our Baptisms by the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is recognized as lifted up, and He draws all people to Himself (Jn 12:32).
Live your Baptism. Be evangelistic and catholic.
Prayer: Father, let me fully benefit from my guardian angel's efforts to help me live my Baptism.
Promise: "Glorious things are said of you, O city of God!" —Ps 87:3
Praise: Teenage Wally asks his guardian angel for protection each time he drives a car.
Reference: (Are you equipped to use the Holy Spirit's gifts in your life? Come to the Discipleship Retreat Oct. 3-5 on Using Your Spiritual Gifts or Oct. 5-7 on Practical Evangelization. To register, or for more information, call 937-587-5464 or 513-471-4622 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert A. Stricker, May 8, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 18, 2001