The point of the meditation, however, was as a personal application for our daily interactions with others. If we immediately blast with both barrels or, conversely, shun those in our lives whom we accurately perceive as living sinful lives, we will have little chance of converting them. In this, Jesus gives us an example. While he never failed to excoriate those in authority or influence as hypocrites and for being heartless, he never failed to reach out personally to individual sinners he met. It is a harder and sometimes frustrating way, but it is the way that Jesus modeled for us.
I agree that we should follow the example of Jesus.
We will win more hearts with our love of God and not by blasting.
Although it was perceived as blasting, the priest spoke God’s Truth for their benefit as if from Jesus.
“There are people who won’t like to hear what I am saying but the day you die, you will find out what I am saying is not what I invented, it’s not what I came up with, it’s what God is saying and the day you die you will find out that’s the truth.
“Our prayer for people is that it won’t be too late for people.”
While I agree that we will help God win sinners hearts with our living good Christian lives and our prayers.
There is a difference in blasting God’s Truth in a superior manner and presenting a civil exchange of God’s Truth vs. the untruth of the world.
I understand that many (with hardened hearts) do not want to engage in a civil discussion of the truth. It is still our responsibility , as best we can, not to cave but stand with Jesus and God’s Truth.
The problem is that there are very few priests, bishops and laity that present the Catholic faith based on the Truths that Jesus spoke.
We need to rebut and rebuke the offensive misstatements and apologies of the Catholic faith by the leaders. We need to support and encourage those that share God’s Truth, even if difficult for some to accept. They will be the losers by accepting sin and rejecting God.
As Catholics, we have a responsibility to share God’s Good News and how to achieve salvation with God.(Matthew 28: 19-20) As part off the Body of Christ, we need to do our part.
My main concern is that few will find the narrow gate. (Matthew (7: 13-14) While not trying to judge others, we can see that many, including family members, catholics, protestants, politicians, and many others are following the ways of the world and not the ways of Jesus,