Henri Nouwen talks about the mystery of small acts of faith. It really is the case that we are in the ongoing process of doing the little things that make a difference. I am classically notorious for talking myself out of doing something because it seems so inadequate and insignificant. Maybe you also have those moments. For me, it is even more so with evangelizing, witnessing. I don’t want to intrude or disturb someone’s privacy. The world is not as trusting as it used to be. We are lacking the aspect of trusting in the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit that grows, heals, bears fruit, and brings results.

The effects of our acts of faith sometimes pleasantly surprise us. I can’t think of a better feeling! We are called to do the small so that we may affect a countercultural change in our environments. The world traffics in gloom and doom, division and distrust. Responding to people’s pain with prayer, rather than reacting with judgment or inane platitudes. We live in and with a deeper hope. We are often painfully aware that much is “above our paygrade”. But bear this in mind, siblings in Christ: seismic rolls have to start somewhere. Christianity became “a thing” because Jesus commissioned twelve ordinary guys to, well, be evangelists. They proclaimed the Good News of the kingdom of God and – WHOOHOO! – people repented, got healed, and got rid of their demons. This 2024 world desperately needs this kind of Good News to counteract the gloom and doom; to receive the hope that the world and its leaders cannot give. They will receive and know Christians by their unconditional love.

Pastor Art