A general description of Gospel living for me is something like “being a light for others and helping them find the light of Christ within themselves.” I do this most obviously and intentionally in writing music for our church and sharing musical prayer, inspirations, and experiences rooted in the messages of Christ’s life, love, and commissioning from the holy scriptures. Coincidentally, I write this reflection on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. Today’s scriptures challenge us not just to proclaim the Gospel but, rather, to live it—to spread it through actions rooted in love.
Helping with community outreach opportunities, such as Forgotten Harvest, contributing regularly to charities, and assisting at Right to Life events are concrete means by which we can dedicate our time to share Christ’s love in our community. On a smaller but no less important scale, Gospel living is also moment-to-moment in our interactions with family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Sometimes, relationship moments are the challenges that can threaten our Gospel living. To stay focused, I try to live with the following in mind:
Faith over fear.
Active and attentive listening. (Listen more, talk less.)
Forgiveness over hurt.
Joy over jealousy.
Yes, I sometimes get caught up in my selfishness and fail to “check all boxes” on the list. But being part of a faith community, attending Mass, and receiving the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation gives me strength for Gospel living that I would not otherwise have on my own.
On a more personal note, I am genuinely inspired by the love witnessed and shared in communion at St. Isidore. During Mass, I am often reminded of how God’s great love is shared in even the simple and mundane of our daily lives, in both ordinary and extraordinary moments, and in our being Christ to one another. We all share the Good News by living faithfully in the light of the Lord. Go, team!
Recently, I heard someone say, “church is not the place you go; it’s the place you go from.”
We go forth to discover a renewed way of living and being in the Holy Spirit.
“We glorify you by our lives!”