“As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.” – John 17:18

       A new research study released by the Barna Group reports that around three out of every five young Christians leave church after the age of 15. Why? I can sum up the many reasons in one word: “unfriendliness” of Christians to the world they’re sent to.  

       About 25 percent say they feel “Christians demonize everything outside of the Church.” About 35 percent say Christians are “too confident they know all the answers.” Seventeen percent said they’ve “made mistakes and felt judged in Church.”

       When economic crisis and depressing news were all the headlines could offer, two Purdue University students decided to lift the spirits of people on campus. Cameron Brown and Brett Westcott set aside two hours every Wednesday afternoon to simply stand along a busy walkway holding a large “Free Compliments” sign. There they say nice things to everyone who walks by. “I like your red coat.” “Very nice smile.” In fact, a good number of students said they deliberately choose the path where “the compliment guys” are, just to hear a kind word.

       Thank You, Lord, there are still those who understand what You want us to do. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)

Reflection: Are there people who need the friendship that you can bring? They need the friendship that you have with Jesus, too.

Father, give me the desire to go out of my comfortable circle of “good” Christian friends, and make friends with someone who needs You. Amen.

St. Bernardine of Siena, priest, pray for us.

Paul spent three years building the community in Ephesus. Committing three years to establish a community of faith is not an easy task. Faith is about perseverance — that is, showing to God that you want a particular grace to build His kingdom.

28 At Miletus, Paul spoke to the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus: “Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, in which you tend the church of God that he acquired with his own Blood. 29 I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock. 30 And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth to draw the disciples away after them. 31 So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day, I unceasingly admonished each of you with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to that gracious word of his that can build you up and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated. 33 I have never wanted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You know well that these very hands have served my needs and my companions. 35 In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” 36 When he had finished speaking he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 They were all weeping loudly as they threw their arms around Paul and kissed him, 38 for they were deeply distressed that he had said that they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.

Psalm 68:29-30, 33-35, 35-36

R: Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

28 [29] Show forth, O God, your power, the power, O God, with which you took our part; 29 [30] For your temple in Jerusalem let the kings bring you gifts. (R) 32 [33] You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God, chant praise to the Lord 33 [34] who rides on the heights of the ancient heavens. Behold, his voice resounds, the voice of power: 34 [35] “Confess the power of God!” (R) Over Israel in his majesty; his power is in the skies. 35 [36] Awesome in his sanctuary is God, the God of Israel; he gives power and strength to his people. (R)

11 Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. 12 When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. 14 I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the Evil One. 16 They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. 17 Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. 19 And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”

think: Faith is about perseverance — that is, showing to God that you want a particular grace to build His kingdom.

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 1 Samuel 9-12

WITNESSES OF TRUTH

The Lord really loves us as His disciples. His love is that of a parent who always wants the best for us. Jesus can see right through us — what we are right now and what we can become. He has our best interests in His heart and this is seen through the beautiful prayer He addresses to the Father on behalf of the disciples.

       Jesus’ concern is for us being in the world. He knows the world is a beautiful place. However, He knows that the world is also the field of the enemy. The enemy seeks to kill, rob and destroy those who want to live in the love of God. The enemy of our human nature is out to destroy us with vengeance.

       Jesus is seeking our protection. He is not saying that we be removed from this world but that the worldly influence may not overwhelm or overpower our dedication and response to the Lord. Just as He received the Father’s protection, He prays for the same help for His beloved friends.

       Jesus prays that we might be consecrated in truth. We are set apart by the truth that is personified in Jesus. We are called to make a difference to the world in which we live as witnesses to the truth. There are so many lies, deception and dishonesty in the world.

       As bearers of truth, we can point others to love and know Christ as we have done. The Father has sent Jesus into the world to bear witness to the truth. We are now sent by Jesus to bear witness to the truth of His love and peace.

       How can our lives bear witness to the truth? This is achieved through our actions, our choices, our lifestyles. In these days, let us invoke the Spirit of truth to guide, protect and lead us into the truth. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

REFLECTION QUESTION: Is your life consecrated to the truth or do you live a life of deception and dishonesty?

Lord, in this world where I live, work and love, help me to be a good and honest influence to others. Amen.