me, and those who reject me reject the one who sent me.’
Citizens Band Radio and Law enforcement use 10 codes. The Code for today’s date which mirrors the radio code is 10-4 which means” message received”.
Do we really get the message?
Jesus was in public ministry for three years. He repeated His message from Cana to the Asension. We hear His message every time we go to Mass. Still, we don’t always get it. ‘Anyone who listens to you listens to me; anyone who rejects you rejects me, and those who reject me reject the one who sent me.’
The Devil and our own human nature are stumbling blocks to receiving the message but it is our responsibility clear the air waves and allow Jesus’ message to come through.
Saint Francis of Assisi was famous for his good deeds but also for his interpretation of the Gospel in particular the Nativity Story. In an age where most peasants did not read, he portrayed the story of Christs birth using animals. He communicated the Gospel in a visual way. Words were secondary. His famous quote is, ” preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.”
Sometimes a new priest will come to our church and change things. It doesn’t matter what the change maybe change is painful. If the change promotes the Gospel message it will work and if not there must be another way to promote the Gospel in our lives. If we fail to communicate one way, we try another.
In Matthew 7: 15-20 Jesus says, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.
So, follow Saint Francis today and if you must use words. Your words will be fruitful or change them. Everything you do or say will produce fruit. Do your best.
10 _ 4
God love you Always
Bob Burford4
PS Please pray for all cancer victims and caregivers. Pray for the conversion of Russia and the Salvation and Physical safety of Ukrainian people
