“That the World May Believe”
This phrase from the Gospel kept running through my mind the last few days. In the Gospel of John[i] Jesus warns the disciples that they will all be scattered and leave Him alone …but He is not alone because He says, “the Father is with me!” Just before he was arrested He prayed “for those who through their words will believe in me…..Father, may they be one in us, as you are in me and I am in you, so “that the World may believe “ it was you who sent me.
These words are also in a song published by Jubilate which say “How do we start to touch the broken hearts? [ii] “Your cleansing power you give us to share! That…… the world may believe in you! “As I was thinking about this, I read the story of a young man who was just declared ‘Venerable” by Pope Francis. In his papal encyclical “Christus Vivint”[iii] which means “Christ is Alive” he mentions this young man named Carlo Acutis. Although Carlo died at age fifteen of leukemia; he was able as a computer genius to use the internet for the good of souls. He compiled and documented the evidence of Eucharistic miracles from all over the world. He realized that the Eucharist was his “Highway to Heaven.” In a video clip about his life[iv] his mother says that he encouraged others to live a sacramental life and strive for virtue. He said “The soul is like fire for a hot air balloon. For it to go up in the air you need to let go of the weights. In life we have many temptations but the 7 virtues [v]can be achieved by everyone.” Pope Francis shared with the young gathered in 2018 “when you feel you are growing old out of sorrow, resentment or fear, doubt or failure, He will always be there to restore your strength and your hope.”
After raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus said to Martha[vi] “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” Like the people of old we too sometimes need signs and wonders before we can truly believe and live out the joy of the gospel. Growing up I was touched by the story of young Tarcisius[vii] a Roman martyr who was attacked and beaten to death while delivering the Blessed Sacrament under his tunic. I hope that as I continue to “Do Life!” I may continue to be inspired by the lives of the saints and appreciate the Miracle of the “Real Presence” of Jesus on the altar. I pray that like Carlo I can continue to share my faith as I journey with my family and friends “so the world may believe!”
[i][i] John 17:21
[ii] Jubilate https://www.jubilate.co.uk>songs
[iii] M.vatican.va
[iv] Faith Life Family Antonia/Mother of Servant of God. You Tube. Fiat Ministry
[v][v] Fortitude, prudence, temperance, justice, faith, hope , charity(love)
[vi] John 11: 41
[vii] https://en.m.wikepedia.org