"When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages[a] to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” 8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. 12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten." -- Luke 6:5-13
This was the gospel message read at Mass nearly 2 months ago. Since that day, I have had a sticky note on my dresser reading "Andrew was 'always introducing people to Jesus, like the little boy with the fish and bread.' What a great team Andrew & Jesus make; We have that opportunity as well." This was a small excerpt from the homily the priest gave that evening. I read it often, and meant to blog about it and really think about it, but obviously that hadn't happened yet.
I read it again this afternoon, right about the time my roommate was leaving for work. As she was walking out the door and saying bye, I started coughing and she yelled, "Catie, don't choke!" I know she literally meant don't choke on whatever it is making you cough right now. But because I had just read my sticky note about Andrew & Jesus, the comment took on a whole different meaning.
Every single day, I (and by I, I mean we) have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to be introducing people to Jesus... and I've been choking on that a lot lately. It's hard to live a good, faithful life when you're constantly being surrounded by things that don't build up the Kingdom. I'm not saying I've murdered someone or completely walked away from my beliefs- my struggles have been in the little things- Being late to mass. Drinking too much. Judging people. Judging myself. Not trusting God's plan for my life.
I'm not suggesting we start carrying around pictures of Jesus and asking random people if they know Him (but that reminds me of this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqTFNfeDnE). It's our job to introduce people to Him through our actions, and through love. Simple things like standing up for a friend or reaching out to someone in need. I know people say it all the time, but the little things really can make a difference in someone's day. I've learned that several times working at Disney- a whole day of frustration can be turned around by one guest's "Thank you" or "You really helped me today."
I should be going to sleep now, because I work in the morning (I just saw the movie Pitch Perfect AGAIN (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siEHekc-1oE) and will be tired tomorrow. But even in my tiredness, I will strive to be Love to everyone I meet- even the annoying adolescents that don't listen to the rules; even the people who frustrate me because they don't speak English. Long story short, I will try harder to introduce people to Jesus everywhere I go.
Peace & Prayers,
NEMO
