Repetition! Over and over! Get that name, get that jingle in everyone’s memory! Eye appeal! Catchy tune! Lots of consumers must buy our product! And so it goes! Anyone in sales knows how important it is to get the product before the public eye and create the perception of need.
In a very different realm, we, as Christians, are advertisers as well. By our actions, by our example, we put subtle and not-so-subtle messages out into our environment. We might become known for our smiles, our solicitous nature, our clever responses, or, conversely, our short tempers, our avoidance, or our “all-about-me” attitude. Unlike those who advertise a product or service, we might not be spreading messages on purpose, so we have to be aware of unintentional vibes.
It is important to consider from whence we come spiritually. God loves us. Jesus suffered and died to redeem us. Jesus rose from the dead and is with us all the time. He even gives us his Body in the Eucharist, so we can be close to him every day! He sends the Holy Spirit to inspire us and give us spiritual strength. We can be healed, strengthened, enlightened, and blessed. We should not keep all that good news a secret! Our bodies, minds, and hearts should spread the message!
We don’t all need a pulpit, a jingle, or a billboard. We can, through simple daily prayer, ask our Lord for gentle help in spreading his love and peace. LOVE can show up in capital and small letters! Little thoughtful gestures, acts of kindness, one-minute prayers, and unselfish responses can advertise (or exemplify) Christianity. Evangelization can follow. Share the joy!
"This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine.”
People may have seen ashes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday, or rosary beads in our hands or hanging from our car’s rear-view mirror, but what about our actions and attitudes in everyday, year-round life? Repetition, repetition, repetition! Little acts of love! Let’s get ready for this Easter with a renewed Christlike enthusiasm. Maybe it will be contagious!
Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your Heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:16)
There is a billboard that reads, “Do I have to come down there? Signed: God.” There have been many times when we might wish God would come and work some more miracles. He gives us hope, love and strength. Let’s pass it on!
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The photograph is by Ditto Bowo on Unsplash
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, Connecticut. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.
The gospel verse is from The New American Bible, New York: Oxford University Press, 1990