Do people know that I am Catholic?
I struggle with that – on one hand, I’m not going out of my way to convert or evangelize; but on the other hand, I don’t want to hide my faith, for I’m proud of it. I do want to be seen living out faith, but what shape does this take? For me, this balance is a delicate one, because God should be and has to be at the forefront of my mind.
The Struggle of Balance
And this struggle resurfaced in reflecting on the readings this week. We hear about the struggles of the Israelites and the promises made to them. These were God’s people who, for better and for worse, throughout history were recognizable by their faith. Their history is our history, and as such, God’s promise to make them a nation of priests is a promise to us as well.
And then in the Gospel, Jesus sends forth the Apostles to work in His Name. “The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few.” If that was true then, how much more so is it now? In the world today, who is helping Jesus to reap the harvest? Have I failed to answer the call?
Tending to the Harvest at Home
One small solace I take is in the assignment given to those early followers of Christ. They are not sent to do the impossible, in preaching in pagan lands and to non-believers, but they are called to go to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel”. These are people who are very much like those Apostles. People who may be friends and family. People who should listen.
So I keep that in mind, that maybe I’m not called to recreate Pentecost and baptize thousands in His Name. Maybe I’m called to make sure my family hears the Voice of God, either through me or next to me at mass. Something so small, and yet the ramifications of a successful job in spiritual intentionality are infinitely important, being the difference between attaining eternal life and not.
Quiet Signposts in Daily Life
There are already a few ways I have found to be that signpost for the domestic Church, my family. I make sure that we pray before meals, even at a restaurant or at a family member’s house. It’s a small act that helps reinforce the idea that faith isn’t just for the safety of home. Another small action I take is to fully participate in Holy Mass. Yes we go, but I make sure I sing, recite all the prayers, and am fully present for the occasion. I want my children to know that Mass is a time of importance and respect.
And the finally sign is actually two items I wear everyday. I have a bracelet that I wear next to my watch that has a cross and a decade of the rosary, and I have a necklace with a Crucifix that I never leave the house without. These two items are small, but they are outward and intentional signs that can speak for my beliefs even when I am quiet.
I think that trying to find ways to authentically live out faith is increasingly important as it gets more difficult in the distracted world we live in. We must take time to intentionally signal beliefs, whether actively or passively. Make no mistake, we are God’s people, those for whom Jesus died. We are called to act worthy of that immense Love and to share it with those we love.