The World of Grandpa Don

. The Invitation

Last week I wrote about "Living the Faith". Then on Sunday, we heard the Gospel of the Samaritan woman at the well and Fr. Tony Puchenski's wonderful homily. As he spoke, I realized I had forgotten an important aspect of "Living the Faith", ... the "Invitation". 

It is true that in living a good Christian life we make it look attractive to those who observe. That, in itself, is an invitation for them to join with us. But sometimes it takes a bit more. A good friend is back and very active in the church because a family friend, a nun, invited him and his wife to attend Mass with her on a Saturday afternoon. Of course, who could say no to a nun. But the time was right and the couple were ready. All it took was the invitation.

This is sometimes all it takes to bring a friend or relative to church attendance. The offer of a ride, the request for their company, the invitation to experience a special event or a noted homilist. The occasion need not be a regular weekend service. It could be a memorial service or another prayer service. It could even be a social event. 

But never resort to "trickery" or subterfuge. And certainly never nag or threaten. Jesus was not devious in his ways. Faith in God is a mater of faith and faith relies on trust. 

If your invitation is refused, be gracious in your reaction, keeping the invitation open. Say a silent and private prayer. Monica prayed for the conversion of her son for many years as he resisted a call to the faith. Her efforts were rewarded and Augustan became priest, bishop, a Doctor of the Church and a saint. (Monica became a saint too. All that prayer brought her closer to God.) This is why we always welcome the Christmas and Easter Christians. As long as a connection is maintained, there is the opportunity for growth in spirituality. 

Our invitation should also extend to the Sunday Christians to participate more fully in their faith. When a talent is recognized as one needed in ministry, make the suggestion or extend the invitation. Many people are not even aware that they are needed. Furthermore, they are not aware of the rewards of ministry, to both the recipients of the ministry and to themselves. 

The Samaritan woman went into town and extended the invitation. Her approach was a bit different in that she said 'Hay, you got to hear this man. He knew the life I am living as soon as he saw me! This guy is something special!' The town's people knew she was shacked up (That term dates me.) with Jousef (or whoever) and realized something special had happened to her so they went out to hear Jesus. You don't need to be a saint to extend the invitation, just be sincere.  

So, even if you are not a saint, letting people know you have changed is a way of letting them know that it worked for you and it can work for them. That is why I sometimes refer to myself as a "born again Catholic." So come on and join me. It is great! I love what I am becoming. And, I am grateful to those who extended the invitation. 

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Also see "Living the Faith" and,
"A Feeling of Well Being and Contentment"

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