176. To evangelize and help others
Paul is right:
“The kindness of God would lead you to repentance.” Romans, chapter 2, verse 4
… To conversion. By and large, Paul invites us to patience, and to receive from people their kindness and generosity. We discover God’s goodness in them. The goodness of God overcomes reluctance and attracts to conversion. The call that God sends us is related to his kindness.
He also talks to us about this:
“By the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things.” Romans, chapter 2, verse 1
It must be said that we tend to mix judgment about others with what is a constructive judgment.
Judging others about whom they are at first sight, without really knowing them, is a judgment. But, to observe the actions of another person in order to help, even if we have the same difficulty as this person, can still help.
We must not wait to be perfect to evangelize and help others. Otherwise, nothing would be possible for the world.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Fruit that lasts, Normand Thomas
Normandt' Bible reflexions
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
177. Let Jesus Love others
And this phrase said by some people sometimes blocks us: “Ah, and you, you are perfect!” In fact, the person may not want our help. We still can pray for him.
Let’s face it, nobody’s perfect. It would be a shame not to be able to help the people considering that we’re also imperfect. Where would charity unfold in such circumstances? It would be like telling a doctor who has cancer that because of that he cannot heal us. We would tell him to heal himself before thinking of healing us. Yet, helping helps to improve who we are. We help each other to help each other, and so on.
Jesus seems to be leading the idea further, when he says to the pharisees:
“You pay no attention to judgment and to love for God.” Luke, chapter 11, verse 42
That’s the basis. A testimony must encourage good deeds. And Jesus brings us back to reality, respectfully. In fact, we’re not perfect, and it’s clear that our actions and words are not always the best.
What Paul wants us to understand, mostly, is that we cannot evangelize if we’re not connected with Jesus. Jesus abounds here, in the same sense. We are invited to deeply convert if we want to evangelize others, but let’s not wait to be perfect.
It would be illusory, in spite of our difficulties, not to evangelize when we have received so much, received all from the Lord. Let’s trust and evangelize, according to our resources and abilities, according to the openness of our heart. May we remember that it isn’t we who evangelize, but Jesus through us.
By improving our life of faith with Jesus, we’re on the move. By helping others to improve their lives of faith, we will come closer to Jesus together. Let’s destroy our illusions and let God Love us, and through us, let him Love others.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Fruit that lasts, Normand Thomas
And this phrase said by some people sometimes blocks us: “Ah, and you, you are perfect!” In fact, the person may not want our help. We still can pray for him.
Let’s face it, nobody’s perfect. It would be a shame not to be able to help the people considering that we’re also imperfect. Where would charity unfold in such circumstances? It would be like telling a doctor who has cancer that because of that he cannot heal us. We would tell him to heal himself before thinking of healing us. Yet, helping helps to improve who we are. We help each other to help each other, and so on.
Jesus seems to be leading the idea further, when he says to the pharisees:
“You pay no attention to judgment and to love for God.” Luke, chapter 11, verse 42
That’s the basis. A testimony must encourage good deeds. And Jesus brings us back to reality, respectfully. In fact, we’re not perfect, and it’s clear that our actions and words are not always the best.
What Paul wants us to understand, mostly, is that we cannot evangelize if we’re not connected with Jesus. Jesus abounds here, in the same sense. We are invited to deeply convert if we want to evangelize others, but let’s not wait to be perfect.
It would be illusory, in spite of our difficulties, not to evangelize when we have received so much, received all from the Lord. Let’s trust and evangelize, according to our resources and abilities, according to the openness of our heart. May we remember that it isn’t we who evangelize, but Jesus through us.
By improving our life of faith with Jesus, we’re on the move. By helping others to improve their lives of faith, we will come closer to Jesus together. Let’s destroy our illusions and let God Love us, and through us, let him Love others.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Fruit that lasts, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
178. Lead people to salvation
All that we say, all that we achieve will be to lead us and draw people to salvation in the Lord’s life.
Let’s read a few times what Peter says in this little text and we will have a synthesis of the purpose of our faith:
“That the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of (your) faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter, chapter 1, verses 7 to 9
All that we say, all that we realize will be to lead us and lead people to salvation in the kingdom of God. As soon as we direct our life to make it pleasing to God, we also help our neighbour to discover the purpose of life. We walk on the path of holiness.
This passage from Peter is revealing: “As you attain the goal of (your) faith, the salvation of your souls”. The salvation of souls is the goal of our faith. It is the will of God and “genuineness of our faith”. As soon as a few people come together in the name of Jesus Christ, there will be other people interested in discovering the reality of their faith, and in doing so fulfilling the Lord’s mission.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Fruit that lasts, Normand Thomas
All that we say, all that we achieve will be to lead us and draw people to salvation in the Lord’s life.
Let’s read a few times what Peter says in this little text and we will have a synthesis of the purpose of our faith:
“That the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of (your) faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter, chapter 1, verses 7 to 9
All that we say, all that we realize will be to lead us and lead people to salvation in the kingdom of God. As soon as we direct our life to make it pleasing to God, we also help our neighbour to discover the purpose of life. We walk on the path of holiness.
This passage from Peter is revealing: “As you attain the goal of (your) faith, the salvation of your souls”. The salvation of souls is the goal of our faith. It is the will of God and “genuineness of our faith”. As soon as a few people come together in the name of Jesus Christ, there will be other people interested in discovering the reality of their faith, and in doing so fulfilling the Lord’s mission.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Fruit that lasts, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
179. God gives us his Love
The Church is on the move. We are in the world and we’re invited to share what we have received from Jesus. We already carry everything in our heart. We will pass on what we receive in abundance. Jesus, through us, will come to listen, to watch, to console, to heal people of the great lack of missing out on Love.
Going beyond our capabilities doesn’t require greater effort. It requires above all living in faith, to let Jesus be Lord and to be conscientious to what others are going through.
In reality, we don’t need to go beyond our capacities. We discover what is essential in us, what God has placed. It creates balance. We don’t need more. We already have what’s necessary.
As a guitar player retreats alone to practice his pieces of music, before making them available to the public, we’ll retreat in a favorable environment and pay attention, in a place of prayer, hear and discover what lives in us, of what God gives us, bound to his Love.
Then, as the musician, we will be able to join others and create a harmony of talents that we have received, practiced and developed. We’ll go to places where people recognize our style, our music, what is natural and what is of God for us and for them.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Up! Let's go!, Normand Thomas
The Church is on the move. We are in the world and we’re invited to share what we have received from Jesus. We already carry everything in our heart. We will pass on what we receive in abundance. Jesus, through us, will come to listen, to watch, to console, to heal people of the great lack of missing out on Love.
Going beyond our capabilities doesn’t require greater effort. It requires above all living in faith, to let Jesus be Lord and to be conscientious to what others are going through.
In reality, we don’t need to go beyond our capacities. We discover what is essential in us, what God has placed. It creates balance. We don’t need more. We already have what’s necessary.
As a guitar player retreats alone to practice his pieces of music, before making them available to the public, we’ll retreat in a favorable environment and pay attention, in a place of prayer, hear and discover what lives in us, of what God gives us, bound to his Love.
Then, as the musician, we will be able to join others and create a harmony of talents that we have received, practiced and developed. We’ll go to places where people recognize our style, our music, what is natural and what is of God for us and for them.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Up! Let's go!, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
180. The Holy Spirit prepares the hearts
The basis of evangelization begins with this:
“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” Matthew, chapter 10, verse 40
It would be interesting to ask ourselves these questions: “Who is the person who seems interested in knowing Jesus, but doesn’t seem to dare move forward?” “Who welcomes our faith in Jesus? “Who shows signs of faith by their words, by their gestures?” “In whom do we welcome Jesus?”
We need to create a dialogue of faith with someone close to us.
Logically, in the world, there are many people who seek meaning in their lives, who wish to see more values spread, who are thirsty for a good word, who struggle for the lack of the presence of believing and convinced people.
These people may welcome us already. But did we suggest they discover the richness in their heart, which is of God, by telling them of the talents he wants to reveal in them?
It may be the glass of water we can offer:
“Whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple - amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.” Matthew, chapter 10, verse 42
In the smallest daily gestures, with words of encouragement, simple words that Jesus himself would say in the current context, we can reach the people around us.
Let's ask the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of the people we visit. May the Holy Spirit come to meet us and put a balm of Love on these people and especially in their hearts. Let's take the opportunity to make the same request for us.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Up! Let's go!, Normand Thomas
The basis of evangelization begins with this:
“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” Matthew, chapter 10, verse 40
It would be interesting to ask ourselves these questions: “Who is the person who seems interested in knowing Jesus, but doesn’t seem to dare move forward?” “Who welcomes our faith in Jesus? “Who shows signs of faith by their words, by their gestures?” “In whom do we welcome Jesus?”
We need to create a dialogue of faith with someone close to us.
Logically, in the world, there are many people who seek meaning in their lives, who wish to see more values spread, who are thirsty for a good word, who struggle for the lack of the presence of believing and convinced people.
These people may welcome us already. But did we suggest they discover the richness in their heart, which is of God, by telling them of the talents he wants to reveal in them?
It may be the glass of water we can offer:
“Whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple - amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.” Matthew, chapter 10, verse 42
In the smallest daily gestures, with words of encouragement, simple words that Jesus himself would say in the current context, we can reach the people around us.
Let's ask the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of the people we visit. May the Holy Spirit come to meet us and put a balm of Love on these people and especially in their hearts. Let's take the opportunity to make the same request for us.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Up! Let's go!, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
181. Charity
Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, invites us to charity. To evangelize today, let's develop charity towards people. Here is one of his famous passages:
“If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. Love is patient, love is kind (...) rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians, chapter 13, verses 1, 4 and 6 to 7
Anchored in Jesus’ Heart, we’re on the move (mission) and we’re joyful militants (evangelization) so that the world finds what is still current in biblical values; free the captives, feed the hungry, visit the lonely, evangelize people far from Church, from God.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Up! Let's go!, Normand Thomas
Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, invites us to charity. To evangelize today, let's develop charity towards people. Here is one of his famous passages:
“If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. Love is patient, love is kind (...) rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians, chapter 13, verses 1, 4 and 6 to 7
Anchored in Jesus’ Heart, we’re on the move (mission) and we’re joyful militants (evangelization) so that the world finds what is still current in biblical values; free the captives, feed the hungry, visit the lonely, evangelize people far from Church, from God.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Up! Let's go!, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
182. Fulfilled in our heart
We’re invited to say like Jesus:
“Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke, chapter 4, verse 21
Today, what God offers, is fulfilled in our heart because we freely accept it. Let's meditate on what we receive. Then, about what we must offer.
May the Holy Trinity inspire us with the urgency of evangelization for our time, for today. Not the urgency to run everywhere and in all directions, but the urgency to recognize what we receive from God and to overflow with all that we receive, to be filled and to quench the thirst of love that so many are longing for.
It’s also important to always adjust our dedication to what each person really needs. We’re called to be charitable, watchful and just.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Up! Let's go!, Normand Thomas
We’re invited to say like Jesus:
“Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke, chapter 4, verse 21
Today, what God offers, is fulfilled in our heart because we freely accept it. Let's meditate on what we receive. Then, about what we must offer.
May the Holy Trinity inspire us with the urgency of evangelization for our time, for today. Not the urgency to run everywhere and in all directions, but the urgency to recognize what we receive from God and to overflow with all that we receive, to be filled and to quench the thirst of love that so many are longing for.
It’s also important to always adjust our dedication to what each person really needs. We’re called to be charitable, watchful and just.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Up! Let's go!, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
183. For Jesus to be known
Paul's letter to Timothy is a teaching to revisit. He tells him :
You, man of God, avoid all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
“Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy, chapter 6, verses 11 to 12
Are we capable of such a beautiful affirmation of faith before many witnesses? It is the foundation of evangelization: to stay in the good, the beautiful, the true, the real, in what is eternal, and to reveal it to our contemporaries. We want to reel in eternal life and stay there.
We’re invited to reflect on how we can affirm our faith before many witnesses. What meaning do we want to give to our faith life from day to day? What do we want the world to discover about faith? How are we to reveal the Love of God that swells in our heart?
We see in the world the many persecutions against christians or against other religions and its progressing, in different peoples and nations. People are persecuted and defending their faith without fail and with courage that certainly surpasses us.
We’re in an environment where faith in our God seems already acquired, but this false acquisition of faith left behind all sorts of complications and closed the possibilities of growing in God. What could we do while we still live in peace, to transmit, to sow signs of faith? What are the means we use for Jesus to be known to the world?
Faith in us must be in motion if we want to progress and hope for more joy and peace in the world. Let's run away from evil. It’s important to be on the move before we fall below the bar of what is unreasonable, and then have to fight to keep our faith in a world that thinks no longer having reasons to believe in God.
Jesus is looking for people to announce the good news, where they are. He wants us to participate. Only if the Good News is announced will we see the gifts of the Holy Spirit at work: joy, peace, love, etc., in the hearts of others.
The good news is that we are Loved by God and are called to live free, responsible and joyful until the resurrection with Jesus.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Up! Let's go!, Normand Thomas
Paul's letter to Timothy is a teaching to revisit. He tells him :
You, man of God, avoid all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
“Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy, chapter 6, verses 11 to 12
Are we capable of such a beautiful affirmation of faith before many witnesses? It is the foundation of evangelization: to stay in the good, the beautiful, the true, the real, in what is eternal, and to reveal it to our contemporaries. We want to reel in eternal life and stay there.
We’re invited to reflect on how we can affirm our faith before many witnesses. What meaning do we want to give to our faith life from day to day? What do we want the world to discover about faith? How are we to reveal the Love of God that swells in our heart?
We see in the world the many persecutions against christians or against other religions and its progressing, in different peoples and nations. People are persecuted and defending their faith without fail and with courage that certainly surpasses us.
We’re in an environment where faith in our God seems already acquired, but this false acquisition of faith left behind all sorts of complications and closed the possibilities of growing in God. What could we do while we still live in peace, to transmit, to sow signs of faith? What are the means we use for Jesus to be known to the world?
Faith in us must be in motion if we want to progress and hope for more joy and peace in the world. Let's run away from evil. It’s important to be on the move before we fall below the bar of what is unreasonable, and then have to fight to keep our faith in a world that thinks no longer having reasons to believe in God.
Jesus is looking for people to announce the good news, where they are. He wants us to participate. Only if the Good News is announced will we see the gifts of the Holy Spirit at work: joy, peace, love, etc., in the hearts of others.
The good news is that we are Loved by God and are called to live free, responsible and joyful until the resurrection with Jesus.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Up! Let's go!, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
184. Comforting words
The Lord tells us:
“So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.” Isaiah, chapter 55, verse 11
We know that our words are important. When it’s said, it can bring sadness or comfort, it can deeply hurt and cause pain or propose love. It’s to consider.
What words do we use with others? Are they the same we would use in front of children? Are they more to hurt, to control or to love and set free? Let’s have a positive message that will always allow those who listen to take a step in the faith and approach Jesus.
Nothing is trivial when we talk to someone. But we sometimes manage to create pain with slightly less charitable phrases. The pain we cause to others also causes us pain. Lack of sleep can be a factor of importance. The disease can make us more irritable and say phrases we wouldn’t want to say.
If it takes more reserve before the words we use and for forgiveness towards ourselves, the person who listens to us must also become aware of our weaknesses and do his utmost to forgive us.
Each person must give chances to the person speaking to him and sometimes go over what seems less charitable. It’s an opportunity to pray for the difficulty that we hear in the words, so that the Holy Spirit illuminates it and transforms the words that he uses.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Up! Let's go!, Normand Thomas
The Lord tells us:
“So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.” Isaiah, chapter 55, verse 11
We know that our words are important. When it’s said, it can bring sadness or comfort, it can deeply hurt and cause pain or propose love. It’s to consider.
What words do we use with others? Are they the same we would use in front of children? Are they more to hurt, to control or to love and set free? Let’s have a positive message that will always allow those who listen to take a step in the faith and approach Jesus.
Nothing is trivial when we talk to someone. But we sometimes manage to create pain with slightly less charitable phrases. The pain we cause to others also causes us pain. Lack of sleep can be a factor of importance. The disease can make us more irritable and say phrases we wouldn’t want to say.
If it takes more reserve before the words we use and for forgiveness towards ourselves, the person who listens to us must also become aware of our weaknesses and do his utmost to forgive us.
Each person must give chances to the person speaking to him and sometimes go over what seems less charitable. It’s an opportunity to pray for the difficulty that we hear in the words, so that the Holy Spirit illuminates it and transforms the words that he uses.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Up! Let's go!, Normand Thomas