How do you take the extra mile to win souls for Jesus? - Daily Reflections September 5,2013

IT’S RAINING MEN!

 

As a seminarian, I once spent my summer immersion in faraway Bailen, a town in upland Cavite, which, in the early 80s, was indeed far. From the poblacion, we would walk, two by two, just like the disciples, to our assigned barrio to catechize the people. Going to my assigned station in Barrio Guyungguyong, we would literally cross fields, forests, rivers and mountains for more than three hours. We would sleep wherever sunset brought us. They gave us the best accommodation and food. They had the largest toilet in the entire universe — the world was their toilet! And they would feed us with the best food: canned goods bought with hard-earned money. Chicken was not for guests, as they simply roam the backyard freely. While the man of the house was preparing supper, I jokingly said, “Don’t treat us as guests please. Fried chicken will do.”

       As a young aspirant to the priesthood, I enjoyed and appreciated the experience. Coming from Manila, the rural setting impressed within me a certain missionary zeal.

       Jesus challenged the Apostles to take the extra mile — to put out into the deep. And the Apostles discovered their equally important lessons. For Peter, it was a marvelous experience, which brought out his unworthiness in dealing with a powerhouse named Jesus. But that extra mile also brought them to a more august calling: to be fishers of men.

       Jesus introduced to them the greater challenge of putting out into the deep — to take the extra mile of reaching out to the world where “it’s raining men!” The Sea of Galilee was just the starting point. They were asked to go big-time: to conquer the world and bring the Good News to them, convert them to the new way, lead them closer to heaven and bring them the hope of salvation.

       We, too, are sometimes prisoners of our own comfort zones. Jesus challenges us to reach out to take the extra mile and be His disciples. Take advantage of the situation. It’s raining men! Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: How do you take the extra mile to win souls for Jesus?

 

Lord, allow me to get out of my comfort zone and dare to do my part in catching men for the faith. Amen.