Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:2

A few months ago, I had a feeling that what I am doing for the Lord was useless. Call it burn out or call it whatever, but I felt that what I was doing was useless. I asked myself whether I was making a difference or not.

It took me sometime to realize that it really does not matter if I make a difference or not. I am called to obey. Blessed Mother Teresa said, “I am not called to be successful. I am called to be faithful.” As long as I obey the Lord, that is all that matters.

Quite often, success is judged by quantity. Is the congregation growing? Is it increasing in number or are the parishoners leaving? This false measure of success has caused some pastors to water down the gospel with the hope of attracting more people. And we have seen the result – instead of growing, these congregations die.

Jesus never commanded his disciples to fill the churches. He commanded them “Going therefore, teach you all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” We are commanded to teach all nations. Jesus did not command us to plan parties, picnics or other social events. Our role as Christians is to preach Jesus to the world.

This is the sad thing about a lot of Catholic organizations (schools, communities, parishes). They come up with gimmicks to attract people. They try to get inspiring speakers. And they wonder why their congregation is dying? The answer to this is simple – because they had neglected to fulfill their mission – to teach all nations.

Let's honestly look at this. If we think we can get more people by being more friendly, by giving better presentations or by planning better social activities, we are badly mistaken. Other secular organizations can do that better. What makes Catholic organization different is precisely that word – 'Catholic'.

Preach the word of God. Preach Jesus. That is all we need to do. Yes, we can plan activities. We need inspirational speakers. But most of all, we need Jesus. It is who we are. Our ventures may not succeed from our perspective. But God will fulfill what he has planned. In the end, we are mere servants of God. We do what he tells us and it is up to him to do what he wants.

Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He that abides in me and I in him the same will bear much fruit.” Do you want your spiritual life to grow? Live in Jesus. Do you want your community to grow? Live in Jesus. He promises, “whoever abides in me will bear much fruit”. The key word here is 'MUCH'. We bear MUCH fruit only when we live in Jesus. Without Jesus we will die.

Lord, teach us to trust in you. Teach us to be faithful to you. Give us courage to preach you in season and out of season. For the glory of your name.