Devotional/Discussion thought of the day:

²⁷ God’s plan is to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God. ²⁸ So we preach Christ to everyone. With all possible wisdom we warn and teach them in order to bring each one into God’s presence as a mature individual in union with Christ. ²⁹ To get this done I toil and struggle, using the mighty strength which Christ supplies and which is at work in me. Colossians 1:27-29 (TEV)

671      Jesus says: “He who hears you hears me.” Do you still think it is your words that convince people?… Don’t forget either that the Holy Spirit can carry out his plans with the most useless instrument.  (1) (referencing Luke 10:16)

It is amazing to me, as I sit in an apartment overlooking a city of 12 million people in China, that God uses people like me to tell of His love for you.  If you saw us, those who are called to be pastors, as we are, simple fallen human beings, then you would be amazed as well.

We toil and struggle, sure, but so does every other believer.  We are trained, but it is not the training that makes a man a pastor, or an evangelist.  In my case, I have known since I was a child, yet, I still wonder about that.

Not because I doubt God, or the call, but because I look in the mirror.  It is at those times I have to remember the incredible grace of God, which flows through me – like water through a pipe.  The pipe doesn’t add anything to the water, to the conversation, and if it does – well – you don’t want to drink.  that water!  It is about the source, the message of God’s love – and that He will do whatever is required to communicate it. As St Josemaria says, the Holy Spirit can use the most useless instrument.   You see that recognition in both Paul and Peter, in their epistles, in their actions – the source of their words is run home.

This idea – that people are hearing God, hearing Jesus when a pastor speaks, isn’t just about pastors though.  Each of us has been called to share – to be a light in the world, salt – bringing flavor and preserving those with whom we interact.  Remember though – the words are to be His – the words that reveal Him.  The words that bring people the comfort of the Holy Spirit (and reveal their need for that comfort and peace.)

So today, talk of God’s love – to those around you.  For they need to hear it as much as those that hear Pr. Bernie preaching for me in Cerritos… or my sermon here in Mei Lin…

Let His mercy reign in us!  AMEN