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Feast of Saint Andrew

Today's Lectionary Readings
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"And how can they hear without someone to preach?"

We visited our grandchildren last week to celebrate Thanksgiving.
While walking back from a restaurant after a delightful meal of gumbo
and gator bites, we passed between two dueling street preachers. One
was standing on a wall, shouting to passersby that they were bound for
hell if they didn't immediately give their life to Jesus. The
other was not quite as loud but was just as emphatic. He was giving
some type of counter message. Both were trying to cancel each other
out.

I believe these were both good men ("For everyone who calls on
the name of the Lord will be saved").

However, that is not my preference for receiving The Word. I believe
St. Paul had room in his heart for the sentiment attributed to St.
Francis. Preach constantly. Use words if you must.

Isn't that what we do every day in our service to those in need?
When we look across the desk into the person's eyes; when we take the
time to really listen to their story; when we patiently help them
select food from our pantry - we are bringing the light of the
Eucharist to that person, right then and there. The light that each of
us carry every day.

We may not have been called to this work while we were fishing on the
Sea of Galilee. Regardless of how you came to this charism, you are
now called to bring The Word to all you serve. You are an apostle of
the light. You are preaching with your actions.

Jack Murphy is a volunteer with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in
Alpharetta, GA. He is national chair of Systemic Change and Advocacy
for The Society.  




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