Jesus ate with tax-collectors and sinners. With whom do you eat? Many of us don't eat with anyone. We eat on the run. We drive-through or microwave. Others eat with family and friends. This is good, but where are the "beggars and the crippled, the lame and the blind," whom Jesus told us to invite? (Lk 14:13) Jesus often used meals as an opportunity to evangelize. Are we eating mostly with Christians and seldom with unbelievers?
We must accept Jesus as Lord of everything, including our habits and customs concerning those with whom we eat. When we let Jesus pick our dinner guests, we often won't like the company, and others will also complain (Mk 2:16). The only Person Who will be happy will be Jesus. However, that's the meaning of life. We live not for ourselves but for Him. We eat not for ourselves but for Him. We entertain not for ourselves but for Him.
May our meals not be delicious or pleasant as much as evangelistic. "All that matters is that in any and every way...Christ is being proclaimed!" (Phil 1:18) At mealtime, may we win over to Jesus as many as possible (1 Cor 9:19).
| PRAYER: | Father, change lifelong habits which hinder my evangelization. |
| PROMISE: | "The Lord anoints you commander over His heritage. You are to govern the Lord's people Israel, and to save them from the grasp of their enemies round about." –1 Sm 10:1 |
| PRAISE: | At the soup kitchen where Ann volunteers, both physical and spiritual nourishment are served. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College