God

Sharing the Gospel: The Greatest Adventure in Life

/ chicoinematt

Have you ever felt that gentle tug on your heart, that whisper in your soul calling you to something greater? Maybe you’ve dismissed it, thinking it couldn’t possibly be for you. But what if I told you that this call is the beginning of the greatest adventure of your life?

As I sit here, reflecting on my own journey of faith, I’m reminded of the countless stories in Scripture and throughout history of ordinary people who said “yes” to an extraordinary calling. From fishermen becoming apostles to a humble nun in Calcutta changing the world with her love, the pattern is clear: God delights in using the unexpected to accomplish the unimaginable.

In our modern world, filled with distractions and comfort, it’s easy to overlook or ignore this divine invitation. We might feel unqualified, unprepared, or simply too busy. But today, I want to challenge you to see sharing the Gospel not as a burden, but as the thrilling adventure it truly is. Let’s explore together why answering this call might just be the most exciting thing you ever do.

The Call

God calls you to follow him. He did this with the first Apostles. Everyone’s calling looks a bit different but it almost always seems to be an interruption of your normal life and routine. I’m currently reading my children The Hobbit before bedtime. Something Gandalf the Wizard said in the opening chapter has prompted me into a deeper reflection of the Good News of Jesus Christ. He tells the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, “I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it’s very difficult to find anyone.”

How true is this when we are evangelizing? Once people realize that Jesus is calling us to a life of service and carrying the cross, it is easy for people to give up the journey or to never begin at all. The Hobbit’s tagline is “An Unexpected Journey”. Our journey of faith is often much like an unexpected journey too.

As Saint Pope John Paul II wisely said, “Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure.” This adventure, while unexpected and sometimes challenging, is the most fulfilling journey we can embark upon.

Thinking it over

Once the excitement of the call wears off worry and anxiety sets in. “What if I’m not good enough or talented enough or tough enough?”. You might question your worthiness in general. Paralysis by analysis. I totally get it! I have often struggled to act or start the “journey” because of the worry I let in and allowed it to simmer in my mind.

God knows that humans struggle with over analysis and angst. He wants to encourage us and gives us plenty of examples in the Gospel to show how He is trustworthy and to lean on Him. One of my favorite bible verses is from the Epistle of Peter. The saint writes, “Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

In moments of doubt, it’s important to remember the words of Pope Benedict XVI: “The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” This greatness often lies just beyond our comfort zone, in the realm of faith and trust in God’s plan.

You gotta just do it

The Nike slogan “Just Do It” is so simple and natural. It’s an effective brand saying because of its applicability to daily life. We see amazing athletes run, leap, and tackle difficulties in their sports. But it’s also a metaphor and practical mantra to take on life’s daily tasks. Wake up without hitting the snooze button. Make your bed before work. Eat your breakfast. These are things we should do and aren’t extraordinary, but they lead to extraordinary results when compounded day after day.

God is inviting you to join Him in sharing the Good News: Jesus died and rose from the dead. He wants to free us from our sins. But you gotta just do it. Jesus’ final words in Matthew’s Gospel were a command: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). In other words, Jesus is saying to just go out and preach the Gospel.

We are called to be bold. Not to hide our light under a basket. But to shine it and share it with others. Light begets more light. When you share your gifts God is generous and increases your gifts exponentially.

I have felt apprehensive about continuing on an adventure God invited me back in 2023. I let fear of failure seep into my heart and mind. Satan wants to sidetrack you and tempt you to give up the adventure altogether.

In these moments of hesitation, I’m reminded of the wisdom of Saint Francis of Assisi: “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” This step-by-step approach can help us overcome our fears and doubts, allowing us to grow in our faith journey.

But remember, sharing the Gospel is the greatest adventure in life. It’s a journey that may seem unexpected, filled with challenges and self-doubt, but it’s also one that brings immeasurable joy and fulfillment. Just as Bilbo Baggins found courage he never knew he had, we too can discover strength we never imagined when we step out in faith to share the Good News.

So, are you ready for the adventure? The call has been issued, the journey awaits. It’s time to cast aside your worries, trust in God’s care, and just do it. The world is waiting for the light you have to share.

Thank you for sharing!

Reflections on the National Eucharistic Congress: Faith, Healing, and Revival

/ chicoinematt

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. Over 50k Catholics were in attendance across the United States. Eucharistic Adoration, daily Mass and a line-up of speakers headed by Fr. Mike Schmitz and Bishop Robert Barron were the highlights (but to be honest the entire week was a highlight).

The experience was truly transformative, filled with moments of profound joy and palpable movements of the Holy Spirit. As I reflect on those days, I’d like to share some of the most impactful insights I gained.

The Joy of Christian Community

One of the first things that struck me was the overwhelming sense of joy that permeated the entire event. As I sat in the conference hall during supper, I couldn’t help but notice the many small groups of two or three people scattered throughout the room. In those moments, I felt certain that Jesus was present among them, fulfilling His promise: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

A Powerful Encounter

While waiting in line for the Eucharistic Miracles exhibit (a popular attraction with over an hour and a half wait), I had a life-changing encounter. I met Emilio, a gentleman from California, whose story deeply moved me. Emilio shared how he had been involved in gang activity from a young age and had even taken a life at 22, resulting in a life sentence. Eventually, a combination of legal changes and Emilio’s profound spiritual transformation led to his release.

Emilio and I waiting in line to see the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit.

His journey of repentance and renewal in prison led him to give his life to Jesus. Emilio’s wife, who accompanied him, emphasized that she felt the Eucharistic Congress was specifically for him. This reminded me that while we were blessed to attend, the Eucharistic Revival is for all baptized Catholics – we are all called to share the Gospel and live sacramentally.

The Power of Jesus’ Name

Another powerful realization came during Dr. Mary Healy’s talk on healing and prayer. The healing service she conducted with Fr. Mathias Thelen felt biblical in its intensity, reminiscent of Jesus’ own ministry. During this service, I experienced firsthand the power of prayer and the name of Jesus.

Jesus is Lord. 🍞🍷✝️🙏

Despite initial doubts about whether my relatively minor headache was worthy of divine intervention, I prayed, “Lord, help my unbelief” – echoing the father in Mark 9:24. To my amazement, as the service concluded, I realized my headache had disappeared. This experience reinforced the truth that Jesus has the power to heal us physically, mentally, and spiritually – just as He did in biblical times. Jesus is the Divine Physician and He desires to heal all our wounds.

The Importance of Repentance

A recurring theme throughout the Congress was the significance of repentance. According to Fr. Mike Schmitz, “If this is going to be a revival, if it’s going to be a real revival, here’s the reality. In the history of Christianity, you can never have a revival without repentance.”

To fully receive the graces available in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, we must approach it with hearts open to God’s mercy. But this mercy is not forced upon us. We have to repent of our sins. The Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it this way, “Jesus calls to conversion. This call is an essential part of the proclamation of the kingdom: ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel” (CCC 1427).

This emphasis on repentance serves as a powerful reminder of our continual need for God’s mercy and our call to ongoing conversion.

Go Forth and Preach the Gospel

The National Eucharistic Congress was a profound reminder of the living presence of Christ in our midst, particularly in the Eucharist. It reinforced the power of community, the importance of personal testimony, the reality of divine healing, and the necessity of repentance in our spiritual lives.

As we move forward in this Eucharistic Revival, may we all be renewed in our commitment to Christ, open to His healing power, and ready to share His love with the world. The revival is not just for those who attended the Congress – it’s for every baptized Catholic. We are all called to live out our faith in a sacramental way, drawing strength from the Eucharist and sharing the Good News with those around us. I will see you all in the Eucharist!

Share Your Eucharistic Encounter

These testimonials offer just a glimpse of the countless ways Jesus touched hearts during the Congress. If you attended the National Eucharistic Congress, I invite you to continue this chain of witness:

Take a moment to reflect on your experience. How did you encounter Jesus during the Congress? What moment stands out as particularly meaningful or transformative?

I encourage you to write a short paragraph (100-200 words) sharing your personal encounter with Jesus at the Congress. You might consider:

  1. A specific event or talk that moved you
  2. A moment of prayer or adoration that was especially powerful
  3. An unexpected encounter or conversation that touched your heart
  4. How the Congress has changed your perspective on the Eucharist
Thank you for sharing!

Missing Pieces or Finding Peace: How the Puzzling Brokenness of Human Nature Leads to God

/ chicoinematt

Editor’s Note: Post originally published on July 19, 2018.

Saint Augustine’s simple and ageless maxim, “Because God has made us for Himself, our hearts are restless until they rest in Him” resonates with mankind regardless of history and time. No amount of material possessions, health, or control over finances will provide lasting and authentic happiness and peace. Humanity is naturally a broken species—greed, pride, anger, lust, gluttony, sloth, envy abound. This truth is evident simply by noticing daily interaction with yourself and others. Perfectibility in the human race—eugenics—was tried and failed many times, arguably most notoriously during the Nazi regime in the mid-20th century. True perfection does not occur through purely human willpower and scientific advancement. Rather authentic perfection—or holiness is achieved through cooperating with the Divine Will.

Understanding the God-Shaped Void in Human Hearts

Possessing all the catechetical knowledge in the world will not ensure that a person has the puzzle of life solved. A relationship with Jesus Christ is absolutely essential to fill that “God-shaped” hole in my soul/complete the puzzle of life. As a perfectionist, I struggle mightily with falling into the heresy of Pelagianism. St. Augustine, himself, battled the false teaching of the monk Pelagius. Heresies rise and fall.

The Dangers of Pelagianism

Pope Francis warned of the dangers of this heresy in his encyclical letter Gaudete Et Exsultate. He declared,

Those who yield to this pelagian or semi-pelagian mindset, even though they speak warmly of God’s grace, “ultimately trust only in their own powers and feel superior to others because they observe certain rules or remain intransigently faithful to a particular Catholic style”.[46] When some of them tell the weak that all things can be accomplished with God’s grace, deep down they tend to give the idea that all things are possible by the human will, as if it were something pure, perfect, all-powerful, to which grace is then added. (no. 49).

A will lacking humility cannot fix the human condition no matter one’s tenacity and intellectual prowess. As I mentioned before I struggle with relying on my willpower over cooperation with my Creator’s gift of grace, He bestowed on me. After a frustrating situation at work, I expressed concerns to my manager, “I did everything right. I provided accurate information, willingness, to help, and empathy to customer situations. Normally, I am able to control/steer nearly all my customer interactions to a positive outcome. I wish I could have this influence for all situations.”

Finding Peace and Perfection: Embracing Divine Grace

Listening intently to my concerns, my manager acknowledged my frustrations yet added this profoundly simple, but very applicable analogy—that of a jigsaw puzzle. “Imagine you are working on a 500- or 1000-piece puzzle, and you completed everything perfectly. When you get to the end you discover there is a piece missing. No matter how perfectly you worked with that piece missing the puzzle is still incomplete. Some customer conversations are like that. You may do everything perfect on your end, but still a piece is missing to prevent your perfect result.”

Now I am not aware of my manager’s theological leanings. His analogy originally meant to be for a practical workplace example, after further reflection I learned that this example of a puzzle missing a piece applies to my faith life as well. Willing myself toward perfection and completion cannot happen because a piece of missing in the puzzle of my life—a God-shaped hole!

C.S. Lewis stated “We have a strange illusion that mere time cancels sin. But mere time does nothing either to the fact or to the guilt of a sin.” Humanity cannot evolve out of the original brokenness of human nature ushered in through the Fall of Adam and Eve. Time and time again my hubris leads to the danger relying solely on my will. However, God’s merciful gift of confession allows me to exercise my free will to cooperate with Divine grace to complete the puzzle of my life and overcome my inclinations for self-centeredness. True peace only happens when we have a relationship with God.

Trying to fill the God-sized hole in our hearts with things other than God is like trying to fill the Grand Canyon with marbles. —Peter Kreeft

Thank you for sharing!

This is the Universal Antidote to Loneliness and Despair

/ chicoinematt

Editor’s Note: Post originally published on June 14, 2018.

Life is confusing

Confusion, misunderstanding, strife, and conflict pervade our modern world. “Fake-news” recently become a moniker attached to popular United States media outlets. The human race seems to be more splintered and fractured now more than ever! Ancient Greek tragedian Sophocles declared this timeless truth, “Despair often breeds disease.” Viewing life from the singular optic of the self-perspective also leads to despair. I am most troubled and experienced hopelessness especially when my daily living is self-centered.

Loneliness is a Familiarity in Our World

Life can feel like a lonely journey.

According to the great Christian apologist C.S. Lewis, “Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ, and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.” In high school I used to listen to Green Day when I ran for cross country practice. The song Boulevard of Broken Dreams had a catchy beat and was always on the top of my playlist. Not fully reflecting on the meaning of the lyrics, in hindsight the words hint at a forlornness that is sadly all too familiar in the modern world:

I walk a lonely road

The only one that I have ever known

Don’t know where it goes

But it’s home to me, and I walk alone

I walk this empty street

On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams

Where the city sleeps

And I’m the only one, and I walk alone

Despair Needs to be Slain Daily

Because of the incessant onslaught from our Adversary despair creeps into life each and every day. Satan wants you to give up. It’s important to remind yourself of how his frequent attacks. Being aware of our daily battle as humans and knowing our ultimate aim in this journey in life are excellent ways to help ward off despair.

Gratitude— A Shield Against Despair

Along with hope, being thankful daily is essential to combat devilish despair and pessimism. Saint Gianna Beretta Molla spoke of gratitude in this way, “The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness.” The days where I experience greater peace, joy, and contentment are the same days where I make a point to be thankful for the simple blessings. As a Catholic my faith life centers on the Eucharist. A few years ago, I discovered that the word Eucharist comes from the Latin Eucharisiai which translates as thanksgiving. The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life (CCC 1324).

Tips to Battle Anxiety

Despair, worry, and anxiety sprung up on me suddenly several times this week. Usually it stems from hearing news that I perceived as bad, viewing it solely from my perspective, or possessing an entitled mindset. Giving myself a small five or ten minute break allowed me to reframe my mindset.

Reminding yourself to be thankful throughout the day is absolutely key to fending off despair and anguish. Martin Luther King Jr. declared, “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” Times where I am angry or frustrated with my children or wife usually is not indicative of their behavior. Rather, it is an indictment on my attitude of ingratitude for the blessings that God bestowed on my daily. As a father, I need to be more thankful—promoting this mentality will flow to the rest of my family and create a culture of love and compassion.

We all come from different backgrounds, past, and family make-ups, but holds humanity together is our ability to be thankful daily! Let us start anew and don a thankful attitude to combat despair and loneliness.

“Gratitude is the first sign of a thinking, rational creature. — Venerable Solanus Casey

Thank you for sharing!

Missed the Solar Eclipse? God’s Plans Shine Brighter

/ chicoinematt

I was excited to witness this rare celestial event. A solar eclipse. Moon blocking the sun. But God had other plans for me.

It was nearing 12:43pm. I had a work meeting at 1pm but I got there way early so I wouldn’t miss the eclipse. As I continued down the road the sky remained cloudy.

There wasn’t any sunlight to be seen. I resigned myself that I would miss out on seeing this awesome event. And it turned out to be the case. The eclipse occurred and from my vantagepoint it was another day. A mundane, cloudy one at that.

As I reflected on missing out on the solar event I realized that God is still in control. He is King of the Universe. He can control when solar eclipses happen and when people can see them (or can’t see them). It may have seemed like another boring day and that is how our spiritual life is like.

Life Rarely Goes as Planned

The 2024 Solar Eclipse. On the Feast of the Annunciation of our Lord. It had the perfect story. And for many people in the path of totality they had the blessings to seeing this amazing scene. But oftentimes God shows up in the mundane. In the uneventful and ordinary affairs of life.

While Easter celebrates the profound event of the Resurrection, Jesus worked humbly for years in the quiet and ordinary. Today is an amazing day whether you saw the eclipse or not.

God has a plan for you (even if you don’t feel or know fully about it now). Comment “Cloudy weather” if you couldn’t witness the solar eclipse.

Thank you for sharing!

Finding Faith and Strength in God: Battling Anxiety, Depression and Self-Doubt

/ chicoinematt / 1 Comment

You might think I have my life together due to the prolific amount of humorous and inspirational content I post here on IG and this website.

That’s one of the side-effects of social media. It causes people to think the creators of their favorite accounts somehow discovered the secret to dealing with life’s curveballs (and sinkers, fastballs, and knuckleballs) thrown our way.

But I have struggled and continue to this day to deal with anxiety and depression.

Some months it is on a daily basis.

This has been a rough week for me.

It’s been stressful at my retail job (thankfully, there’s relief on the horizon with less hours next month), it’s a busy time with parenting four children and juggling all the responsibilities that goes with it, and I’m struggling with imposter syndrome when it comes to my writing.

Anxiety disorder is something I’ve found I have to slay and tackle daily.

There is no permanent remedy save for total and complete abandonment to God’s Providence.

Daily prayer is a must in the battle against angst. 🙏

But it must be a conscious focus each and every single day.

These shields help my battle too:

  • Counseling
  • Music
  • Anxiety medicine
  • Humor (The Office has helped me an incalculacable amount of days)
  • Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints to help me find peace of mind and discover the joy of the Gospel

If I ever got a tattoo it would be the Teresa of Avila prayer. Daily I ask for her intercession, and I etch God’s promises on my heart every time I recite this prayer.

Let nothing disturb you.

Let nothing frighten you.

All things are passing away: God never changes.

Patience obtains all things Whoever has God lacks nothing.

God alone suffices.

God wants you to find comfort and peace in this life. Never be afraid to seek help or to admit you don’t have your life together: no one else does, it’s part of being human.

Thank you for sharing!

From Tax Collector to Apostle: Embracing God’s Unexpected Call to Redemption

/ chicoinematt

God calls you where you are.

For the Apostle Matthew, he was a publican (a tax collector).

What emotions come up when you think of an IRS agent?

What about tax season?

“Unfortunately, you owe X dollars this year?”

Now, imagine if God publicly called a person  to be in his inner circle of twelve??

A man whose job it was to take your hard-earned money and collect it for a corrupt government.

It might stir up resentment, confusion, or dismay to mention a few of a thousand emotions that would likely be going through your mind.

But God’s ways are often mysterious and it may take time before we realize the plan He has for others and ourselves.

I can’t even begin to fully understand what some of Jesus’ early followers thought when he died and later named Matthew to be an apostle.

An unworthy tax collector. Money-hungry, an agent of the Roman Empire. That’s who Jesus called to follow him 2000 years ago.

Now, the name Matthew translates as “Gift from God”. His conversion is certainly a blessing along with his account of Jesus’ life in his Gospel.

No matter where you’re at in life, God will meet you.

You just have to be open to His call. 🙏

P.S. How has God worked in your life in an  unexpected and merciful way?

P.P.S. Here’s a Holy Haiku I created inspired by the witness of the evangelist-apostle.

Enjoy!

Related Links

3 Similarities I Share with my Namesake— Saint Matthew

Saint Matthew (Apostle and Evangelist)

Thank you for sharing!