A Cheerful Calling

This past Sunday we heard from the Gospel of Luke of Jesus sending 72 disciples out to spread the word of God and share His peace (Lk 10:1-9). It is a reminder of the call we all have to share God’s peace and love. People are called to evangelize in many ways. Some are called to be a priest, nun, or other holy vocation. Some people are called to share their faith through music, dance, or artwork. Others use their athletic abilities to spread the word of Jesus. Some of us are called to be teachers, writers, actors. Some are good at speaking of the faith in an intellectual way so as to explain what it is we believe. Some are called to have a family and share their faith with those around them in that way. No matter what we feel called to do in our lives, serving God should come first. We are all called to share our faith with those around us. Jesus tells us:

 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  Mt 5:14-16

We are called to shine the light of the Lord! And while some may be gifted with the ability to speak eloquently or be able to enter into faith conversations with strangers, some of us do not have those abilities. More than that, some people will not be reached simply by hearing us proclaim the wonders of a God they don’t understand or are not even sure they believe in. So what can we do to shine out light?

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” – Blessed Mother Theresa

This is one of my favorite quotes. It is such a beautiful and simple truth. Words of kindness can brighten someone’s day and lift their spirits more than we may realize. And it takes so little of us! I know when I am having a rough day I feel better when I receive a sweet or goofy text message from my husband, when I have a light conversation with my mother, or even just by having a pleasant conversation of small talk with the cashier in the grocery store.

This is one way we can all show God’s love. We can pay a compliment to someone, be it a family member, co-worker, friend, or someone we see in line at the store! Something as simple as complimenting someone on an outfit, cooking, performance at work or school, can truly boost their confidence and brighten their day. How simple! Even more simple, just wishing someone a good day, saying hello, and smiling can do wonders. Just by portraying a positive attitude and sharing kind words with others, we are able to brighten their day and to share God’s love.

And who knows…maybe that someone who always sees you smiling and being kind might just start to wonder why. Why is she so happy all the time? How does he always look so cheerful and positive? What makes them so joyful?

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

We are filled with joy and peace because of our Savior! Our loving God sends His Spirit to fill us with hope, with joy, and with peace. A true and lasting joy that even death cannot erase. A peace like none we can know without Him. And a hope that transcends all disbelief. This is what we have to be so happy about! We are called to be cheerful and to share our light, our joy, our peace, and above all, to share the reason behind it all.

Tagged: Blessed Mother Teresa, Catholic, cheerful, Christian, Faith, favorite quotes, God, happiness, Joy, kind words, religion, words of kindness