Category: Blog

Last night in Vatican City, the Catholic Church chose a new leader, Pope Francis, formerly of Argentina. By all accounts, he is conservative in his theology and politics and humble in his view of himself.

I’m not a fan of Catholic theology, practice, or policy. However, for many, the Catholic Church is perceived as the Church, or at least, the face of the Church. To that end, I want us to pray for Pope Francis. He has been given a very difficult job, reforming an institution that does not want reform.

Of course, I want a lot of reforms to take place. I’d love for Catholic theology to be reformed to better reflect Scripture with less focus on the traditions of Rome. I probably won’t see this happened any time soon, which is fine. I’m not holding my breathe. However, the Catholic Church absolutely has to do something definitive to remove those who have abused children or protected/hidden abusers. The Vatican needs to lead the way in searching for this sin, rather than letting the secular world point it out for them. Furthermore, I hope that this is enormous tragedy causes the Church to reexamine some its theology concerning the clergy.

That being said, let’s pray:

Lord Jesus,
We pray right now for Pope Francis. Give him more grace as he surely seeks Your wisdom and favor in leading the Catholic Church. Lead and direct him as he navigates the troubled waters that the Church finds itself in. Bless Francis, Lord, as he serves his flock and leads them closer to You.

Amen.

A few weeks ago, I was pulling into my church parking lot listening to some high energy Christian ska music—I’m a teen of the 90’s; no apologies—and I was getting pumped! I was amped, full of energy. It was one of those moments when I felt so energized that just “knew” I could punch a hole in a brick wall. Of course, I didn’t test this feeling. Anyway…

I was riding this wave of passion and enthusiasm, and I said to myself, “I wish I was preaching tonight. I’m so pumped to preach the Gospel!” Then, I heard a small voice, “Why aren’t you this pumped to live the Gospel?”

I was instantly convicted, and—I don’t know if this is theologically orthodox but—I think that God added a gentle “Boom! Truth bombs be droppin’!”

The most important sermon I preach is the one I preach through my actions and interactions with others.

It was tough to hear that, but I’m glad I did. The most important sermon I preach is the one I preach through my actions and interactions with others. Proclaiming the Gospel is not done merely with words in front of crowds; it’s my responsibility to preach every waking minute of the day. Of course, only Jesus had the strength of character and intimacy with God to be the “Living Word,” but that very same Spirit is working within me to communicate a similar sermon through my life, to transform me so that I might more perfectly preach the Word of God through my life.

Are you as pumped to live the Gospel as you are to preach it?

Preach the Gospel always, and if necessary, use words.
Unknown