Contemporary culture talks about love as a feeling, something passive that you experience. But we as Christians know that love is a choice, an act of the will! “To love is to will the good of another” (St. Thomas Aquinas). Likewise, sometimes the feelings of excitement and enthusiasm give way to a reluctance to do the work. And yet it is love and work that our Lord calls us to, to be workers in the Vineyard! This requires an active choice to DO the work. In doing so, we will be rewarded in the next life, as the Lord will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Mt 25:23)

This report comes SPSE evangelist Nancy:

“It is always a decision to go out and evangelize, but at the end of the outing we marvel at the encounters that God provides and are so grateful to be able to share the good news!

Deacon Mike and I went out last Wednesday, and there were many good conversations. Please pray in particular for Brittany and Nathan, a young couple who were so attracted to the beautiful literature that SPSE provides and wanted to know more but their bus came. Pray God will draw them to himself. Patricia, who is a parishioner at St. Rose of Lima, has not gone to church for awhile. She was very surprised that we were there giving out Catholic information, As I shared my witness with her, pray that she will be encouraged to return to the sacraments. Terry, a young man from the Caribbean, was very interested in rekindling his faith, as he was brought up Catholic, but came here 4 years ago and has not connected with a church. Deacon Mike gave him information, Pray he will follow through.

Last Saturday, Doug and I ventured out and had many wonderful encounters. Please pray in particular for Herson who is a young adult with a very rare bone disease that is incurable. My heart went out to him as it was very difficult for him to walk. He was very open to receive prayers. I sensed the Lord wanted to tell him God is with him and knows the pain and struggles he is going through. Pray for a miracle, that God would manifest His healing power in his life! Doug talked to Nick and Marty who were young adults. Pray that the seed that was planted there would take root. Pray also for Luis, Kimberly and George, Tashman, Sharon, Alejandro, Jose, Muyisa and Rodney who took information, that God would touch their lives and Shole, an Iranian lady, who is looking for a job.

It was great to have Jeannie come towards the end to share the good news in Spanish with many people!”

Praised be Jesus Christ! We meet many people on the streets. YOU may be the provision that God intends for someone today! An opportune word, a prayer of healing, an encouragement from scripture, an invitation to Mass…someone out there is counting on you today! Sometimes, when our enthusiasm has waned, it is the “ministry of just showing up!” But that is an act of the will pleasing to God! Join us!