"The Gospel we have just heard tells us about something the Lord does every time he visits us: he calls us out of our house. These are images which we are asked to contemplate over and over again. God’s presence in our lives never leaves us tranquil: it always pushes to do something. When God comes, he always calls us out of our house. We are visited so that we can visit others; we are encountered so as to encounter others; we receive love in order to give love." (Pope Francis 9/21 Homily Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, Santiago.)
Have you been called out of your house? We see this so often in people who come to know the mercy of Christ. Whether it is in feeding the hungry, ministering to the poor, helping in addictions whether as a lay person or someone who has struggled with substances yourself, and of course, in the realm of post abortion healing.
Once you have experienced the love, mercy and forgiveness of God is hard to just keep it to yourself. Sure, there are some who do just that, but the majority of people find some way in which to spread the gift, to “give love” as they have been given, to others suffering as they have suffered.
It may be quietly in a one on one circumstance, it may be through working in a ministry, or it even may be in speaking publically after discerning through direction, but God is sure to challenge your comfort zone in some way and ask you to step out of your house in order to minister to others.
This is a beautiful thing about faith, the turning of something painful into a means for good. A sharing in the life of Christ by bringing Him to others.
It is truly a remarkable gift. One we must always recognize as a grace from God, who take sour worst sins and uses them to bring us and others to Himself.
Have you been called out of your house? Be sure to listen so you do not miss the invitation!
