In today’s Gospel, Luke 6:12-19, Luke tells of the great multitude of people who sought out Jesus to be healed of their diseases and to be cured of the torment of unclean spirits. Luke doesn’t elaborate on how this great multitude of people learned about Jesus’ healing. But, I suspect it happened by word of mouth, by those who heralded the healing and curing power of Jesus to their family and friends.
Reflecting on this passage, I related to the poor tormented souls as I recalled a time when I was overwhelmed by stress and the exigencies of life which brought so much unhappiness. I wasn’t looking for Jesus to cure me, but I let friends who knew I needed Him carry me to His emergency room, an ER with zero wait time!
So, I ask myself today, have I been one of those friends who, after being cured, or having witnessed His healing, made the effort to tell others who need Him? I can say “Yes”, but reservedly. This blog is one way I get the word out. I evangelize through spiritually mentoring other men to develop their interior lives and their relationships with Jesus. I share my faith in small groups with other men who already have a strong faith. But, do I reach out effectively and proclaim the Good News to those who have not heard it or are indifferent to it? Is my faith contagious? I think I can do better.
How about you? Is your faith contagious? In what ways do you tell others about Jesus and His saving grace? How might you do better?
“Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your constant presence in my life. Lord, open my heart to new ways to bring others to You, and, through Your grace, help me to realize the virtue of fortitude I need to be outgoing in bringing Your Word to others. Help me, Jesus, to live my life in a way that others want some of what I have. Amen.”
(Is Your Faith Contagious? was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)
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Reflections of a Lay Catholic 
You are contagious!
I remember a homily centered on the question, “If they start persecuting Christians will your neighbors have enough evidence to turn you in?” And, in your case, you would definitely be hauled before the bench.
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Hey there, Mike! Thank you! Wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve heard from you. I hope all is well my friend!
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Amen, I can do better, way better. I have been doing more scripture at home and on the road. But I need to proclaim the gospel more openly to others when appropriate. The other day at the airport in DFW the young lady who was at the register, I overheard her say me and God are good I don’t need to go to church. I opened up my mouth politely and said I hope you are good but he wants you to go to church. Its sad sometimes that people think they can do life on their own.
Always great praying with you and talking about the Lord.
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Amen, brother! We can do nothing good without Him. We can do all kinds of evil, though. I’m proud of you for screwing up your courage to offer a polite retort!
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Jerry. De Colores! I am fine as frog fur. Men’s Weekend coming up on 15 September. My wife and I are bringing Fridays breakfast.
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Ha! That’s pretty fine, Mike! Well shucks, I will miss the reception as I will be in Kansas City. I’ll keep the team in my prayers. I’m leading our men’s CRHP/WELCOME weekend the 24th-25th. Keep us in your prayers, too. De Colores, brother!
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Jerry, thanks for this beautiful reflection and reminder that we are called to be visible witnesses to the love of Christ and to spread the message of how He has radically changed our lives and brought joy and peace in a way that no amount of fame or fortune ever could!
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Thanks, Bernie. I didn’t know Sr. Susan’s meditation this morning would be along these same lines.
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YOU may not have known, Jerry, but the Holy Spirit knew!
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