Monday in the Fourth Week of Lent
“History is made by those who show up.” An old saying that reminds us there is no substitute for physical presence at an event. If we want to make a difference, we need to actually be there. The inverse is likewise true: if we want to be made different, we need to be there. Being at a place, with people, can change me. Notice who it was who welcomed Jesus into Galilee: the ones who “had gone to the feast” (Jn. 4:45). They showed up, they saw what Jesus did, and were changed.
If we want to be changed by Jesus, there is no substitute for showing up to the feast. We need to be at Mass to see what Jesus can do. We need to experience Him throughout our lives in all the sacraments. We need to recognize Him at work in the world. As we see Him at work, we can be changed. We can be changed, and we can invite others into these experiences so that they are changed, as well. Evangelization will not be about winning arguments, but inviting others to the feast. People are changed when they show up to the feast, and meet Jesus.