Have you ever had a conversation about faith with someone who isn’t Catholic? Our Protestant brothers and sisters share a lot of beliefs in common with us, even if we don’t agree on everything. I have been to a few different Christian services to see what they are like. Although I missed the True Presence in the Eucharist, there was still something compelling about the service.

When I hear the end of today’s Gospel, “Whoever is not against you is for you”, I think of our Protestant brothers and sisters. It can be disheartening seeing so many people in Protestant churches and not as many in Catholic churches. Even though the Catholic Church has the fullness of the Truth, when it comes to bringing people to Christ they are still doing a great and beautiful thing for the Kingdom of God. 

I heard an analogy in a talk one time comparing the Catholic Church to a giant ship. A great captain sent the ship off to sea with navigation for home and lots of equipment. But eventually, some of the members on the ship decided to go build their own boats and sail home. They had to use the supplies from the original ship to build their boats and ships and take directions from the original navigation. The other boats and ships sail in the same direction as the original ship, for the most part. 

Jesus founded the Catholic Church and appointed people in charge to lead His followers. All Christians strive for holiness and are on the path to Heaven. Each Christian denomination have some if not a lot of the same structure and tradition, many of which be traced back to Catholic tradition. Unless someone is refuting the Truth of the Catholic Church when they are leading people to have a relationship with Christ, they are for us, not against us. 

So do not get discouraged if people who do not know the fullness of the Truth but still lead people to Christ. There are many forms of evangelizing working towards building the Kingdom of God. Just remember Jesus’ words: “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Who do you need to reach out to and tell about Christ? 

Catholic. Why are you Catholic? How would you answer this to another person? 

How are you striving for holiness?

"Lord I need you."

"For Jesus."

"All things are possible for God."

Today, pray about how you would answer the question, why are you Catholic? Who are you called to share that answer with today? 

“Woe to the complacent in Zion!”

Whew! That one sentence speaks volumes! In today’s first reading, those folks are living their best life. I would have double of whatever they’re having. In reality though, being God’s follower doesn’t always equal living the good life. If you’ve read at least one book in the Bible, then you know the lives of his disciples are a roller-coaster of ups and downs. It’s at the worst times when God calls out to us.

My wife recently delivered twins, but her pregnancy was far from easy. Midway through, some doctors weren’t sure our baby boy and girl would make it. A stark contrast after an easy-going first trimester. She needed a surgical procedure, which was more common for women carrying one baby and somewhat uncharted territory for women with twins. During that time, my boss told me you can’t have a testimony without being tested. It was at that moment, I realized God was reaching out for us more than ever. We prayed everyday. We welcomed prayer after prayer from our friends and family. When the time came, we welcomed our two “little miracles.”

Life is difficult, but it’s in our toughest moments that God wants us closer to Him. Remember, you can’t have a testimony without being tested.

Welcome to the world Abigail Mae and Brandon William, our two "little miracles!"

What are some areas in your life that you are complacent and maybe shouldn't be?

What are some ways you can stay engaged in the important things in life (big and small) so that you don't become complacent?

What are the miracles God is trying to work in your life today?

"Thank You Jesus."

"Come Holy Spirit."

"I Love You Lord."

Find that area in your life right now that you are not living to the fullest and give it your all for the Glory of God.

​Depending on where you go to Mass today, you have the chance of hearing three different sets of readings: the normal ordinary time readings, the memorial of St. Wenceslaus, or the memorial of Sts. Lawrence Ruiz and companions. And while it’d be worth it to look through all of the different readings for today, I’d like to focus in on the readings for St. Lawrence Ruiz and his fellow martyrs.

Turn your attention to the first reading from 2 Maccabees. If you have time today, I’d invite you to read the full story, all of chapter 7 from 2 Maccabees. Both books 1 and 2 of Maccabees describe the Jewish rebellion against the Hellenistic empire that ruled over them and were attempting to force the Jewish people to adopt their customs and renounce their religion. In this particular account, the scriptural author recounts the story of a mother and her seven sons who willingly endured suffering and death for the sake of their faith, refusing to renounce it even the slightest bit.

When you look at the life of St. Lawrence Ruiz, he demonstrates the same zeal and courage. A Filipino missionary to Japan, St. Lawrence was a normal lay person for the Church: a married man with children and a strong devotion to his faith. Almost immediately upon his arrival in Japan (which at the time was violently resistant to the Catholic faith) he was detained, tortured, and martyred for the faith. According to legend, his final words were: "ego Catholicus sum et animo prompto paratoque pro Deo mortem obib. Si mille vitas haberem, cunctas ei offerrem (EN: I am a Catholic and wholeheartedly do accept death for God. Had I a thousand lives, all these to Him shall I offer)."

Ego Catholicus sum. I am a Catholic.

Today, let the martyrs be your example. Think of the situations in your life where it is difficult to proclaim your life boldly and proud. Are you willing to say ego Catholicus sum? Are you willing to say that you are a Catholic? One of the most profound meanings behind today’s first reading is that the four brother martyred alludes to the resurrection, one of the few times in the Old Testament: “It is my choice to die at the hands of men with the hope God gives of being raised up by Him.” (2 Maccabees 7:14)

For your own life, recognize this: in dying to yourself, you will be raised up by Him. Make no mistake about it, giving of ourselves, sacrificing to boldly proclaim the faith, it’s difficult. It will never be easy. But the glory that awaits you is far more important, far more noble, far more honorable, than shying away and pretending you are someone you are not. Today, look at the situations in your life where it is difficult to proclaim the faith, face them head on, and proudly, boldly, and unashamedly say, ego Catholics sum. I am a Catholic. AMDG.

In what ways can the martyrs be your example today to step out in faith even when it is difficult?

How often do you find yourself willing to say you are Catholic? Why is it difficult sometimes, if it is, and how can you rely on God's strength to say it anyways?

God is calling each one of us, on a daily basis, to die to ourselves that we may live for him and the Kingdom that he has prepared for us. How can you live out that calling today?

"I am Catholic."

"Ego Catholicus sum."

​"Jesus, I trust in you."

Share your faith with at least one person today. Whether it's someone you meet new or someone you just haven't shared with before, tell them about your love for Jesus.