God wants His house to be full for His heavenly banquet (Lk 14:23). His strategy for filling His house is to send His servants all over His kingdom, especially to the byroads (Mt 22:9), alleys (Lk 14:21), and other unlikely places. Thus, God's banquet will only be filled if His servants "come upon" (Mt 22:9) people that are hard to catch up with.
Jesus understands this dilemma. That's why He specifically calls His servants "fishers of men" (Mt 4:19). Any fisherman who wants to bring home a catch knows that he will probably not easily "come upon" large numbers of fish; rather, he must learn "how to cope with every circumstance" (Phil 4:12). He knows that he must study the habits of the fish and spend much time, effort, and frustration learning their favorite feeding places and times. A leisurely midday fishing trip might be convenient for the fisherman, but he will likely bring home an empty boat. His best catch might come before dawn, in freezing weather, in dangerous waters, or after many unsuccessful attempts. The main question is: Will the fisherman take the trouble to "come upon" the fish?
Politicians, salespeople, telemarketers, and researchers understand this concept clearly. Their daring boldness in reaching the unreachable leads to success in their ventures. Followers of Jesus, "open your eyes and see! The fields are shining for harvest!" (Jn 4:35) There's a house to be filled. Bring them in (Lk 14:21).
| PRAYER: | Father, I will take the appropriate initiative to reach the people You want me to come upon (Lk 16:8). |
| PROMISE: | "Do not grow slack but be fervent in spirit; He Whom you serve is the Lord." –Rm 12:11 |
| PRAISE: | After ten years of Bible study more than one participant asked Jerry how to become Catholic. |
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