DAILY HOMILIES #missionaries

In summary, Jesus wants us to be both smart and pure in heart. To illustrate smartness, Jesus gave the parable of the unjust steward who reduced the debts of his master’s debtors so that he would have friends to welcome him when he was kicked out of the job. (cf. Luke 16:1-13). However, unlike the unjust steward with ulterior motives, Jesus wants us to be creative and blameless.

Preaching may begin on the pulpit, but it must never end there. We must go out to touch the sick, feed the hungry and help the poor; we must strive to meet the people where they are. When reaching out to the people, we must avoid turning our ministry into a money-making enterprise. Jesus says: “You received without pay, give without pay, take no gold, silver, or copper. No bag, two tunics, sandals, or a staff.”

The Church in Antioch was vibrant because it was a church of converts. Barnabas knew Antioch was the best place for Saul’s faith formation after converting to the faith. Converts do better than traditional Christians. They are on fire for God; having willingly left their past lives behind, they do not mind going to extreme lengths to live out their faith. Converts are like persons falling in love for the first time; there is no pretence. The believers were called Christians because they lived like Christ.

St. Patrick, the beloved patron saint of Ireland, was originally from Roman Britain. When he was fourteen, Irish pirates captured him and took him to Ireland as a slave. His strong faith provided comfort and hope during his six years in captivity. A divine dream inspired Patrick to escape, and he eventually returned to Britain and reunited with his family. Patrick became a priest and was later ordained as a bishop. He was driven to bring Christianity to Ireland, arriving in Slane on March 25, 433.