Encounter with Jesus

Two of my colleagues grew up in very different parishes. I don't remember how it started, but I quickly realized that they were talking about religion in the office. Once again, Christianity was in the foreground - with clear criticism. I felt an urge to tell them I was going to church, but asked them to keep talking because I found it really interesting. What was behind your negative comments?

Both were completely disaffected by the insubordinate behavior of some church leaders and parishioners. They had left the Church but were still under the influence of the evil conduct. All of this reminded me of some of my relatives who no longer want to have anything to do with the Church, having had very unpleasant experiences years ago. So there are many former churchgoers who are very angry and deeply offended because of thoughtless and selfish acts of Christians.

I can empathize that those affected no longer want to be part of it; their experiences make it difficult for them to receive the gospel. Is there a way out? I think the story of Thomas, a disciple of Jesus, makes an encouraging statement. Thomas was convinced that the other disciples were wrong - what nonsense it was to claim that Jesus had risen from the dead! Thomas had precise knowledge of the events surrounding the death of Jesus, and he probably observed the crucifixion himself. His experiences told him that anything told to him must be wrong. Then there was a reunion with Jesus. Jesus said to Thomas: "Reach out your finger and see my hands, and reach your hand and put it in my side, and do not disbelieve, but believe!" (John 20,27:28). Now everything became clear to him. Thomas could only bring out a short sentence: "My Lord and my God!" (Verse ).

I pray that my relatives and colleagues will eventually meet Jesus and that he will remove all obstacles so that they can believe in him. I haven't seen any change in most of the ones I've prayed for. But with some of them, I wonder if God is at work backstage. There are obviously small changes in attitudes towards some issues. They are not breakthroughs, but they are enough clues to move me to keep praying for them!

Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, changes the minds of those who have trouble coming to faith. He may well call me new disciples by sharing my faith with them. However I am involved, I am clearly aware that it is Jesus alone who transforms resistance into faith. So I keep praying that others may encounter Jesus. Then they too, like Thomas, will see Jesus in a completely new light.

by Ian Woodley