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He Gave His Only Son

"Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

John 21:29

• There should be less talk. A preaching point is not a meeting point.


• The dying, the cripple, the mental, the unwanted, the unloved-- they are Jesus in disguise.


• In the West there is loneliness, which I call the leprosy of the West. In many ways it is worse than our poor in Calcutta. (Commonweal, Dec 19, 1997)


• It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving.


• The poor give us much more than we give them. They're such strong people, living day to day with no food. and they never curse, never complain. We don't have to give them pity or sympathy. We have so much to learn from them.


• I see God in every human being. When I wash the leper's wounds, I feel I am nursing the Lord himself. Is it not a beautiful experience?


• I do not pray for success. I ask for faithfulness.


• Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go.


• If you judge people, you have no time to love them.

~Mother Teresa~

You have full authority to proclaim the gospel. By virtue of being a Christian, you are called to be a witness of the good things Jesus has done for us and will give us.

This week we remember St. Barnabas who traveled with St. Paul on his first journey. Barnabas was called to increase the faith of believers in Antioch where disciples were first called Christians. Barnabas was called because he was filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.

You are filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.

You are not being asked to be an expert in scripture or theology. You only need to share the love you feel for Jesus and the good things he has done for you. There are many ways for you to show you are a Christian:

1.Personal Witness - have your answer ready when people ask your reason for hope. Your reason should be simple and direct. Your answer should include how Jesus Christ has revealed God to you and the influence of the Holy Spirit in your lives and your call to eternal life. (The Holy Spirit told me I would marry Linda, my wife, before Linda or I even had a chance to get to know each other.)

2.Giving Glory to God - you recognize that all gifts and creation come from God. Let others know this same truth.

3.Living Good Lives - St. Francis said that we should preach the gospel and use words if necessary. Of course, your actions speak louder than words; pick your actions carefully.

4.Let the Holy Spirit In - allow the Holy Spirit to transform your life. Through prayer the Holy Spirit will direct your actions and help you to bring the Good News to others.

5.Be Community - Jesus called us to be Christians as a community, not necessarily as individuals. You are one part of the Body of Christ and without you the Church will be less effective.