On a recent Sunday, we were blessed to have Archbishop Gustavo celebrate Mass at our parish, Holy Spirit Catholic Church. As a hospitality minister, I enjoy seeing him at our church because he brings terrific enthusiasm, and he is a very friendly and easy-going person.
During his homily, the archbishop said the following …
“Remember that faith is not something that just happens during church or only on Sundays. Instead, faith is something that should happen all the time. It does not matter where we are or who we are seeing, it is important that faith happens all the time!”
Making Faith Happen
If you think about it, the Archbishop Gustavo’s message is simple and to the point. Yet, from my experience, it is often the simple stuff that I tend to make more complicated than is necessary.
Here are some ways I can apply the archbishop’s message about how I can apply faith all the time …
When a friend needs a listening ear because of a personal or work dilemma, I should seek the opportunity to be there for him.
When a colleague fell short of securing a promotion, I should actively look for ways to help her get back on her feet.
When I am asked to participate in a ministry where I can be of service to others, I should make every effort to participate, even when my time is limited.
When a family member is struggling to make ends meet because of medical costs, I should find a way to help them financially.
There are also many opportunities for me to have faith when my life hits a roadblock or even a wall. I must learn to trust the Lord has a reason for what is transpiring and that He will help me find the best approach to better the situation I am facing.
Faith in the Workplace
When I think about it, there often is a way for me to apply what I learn from others in the workplace.
I find that the top business leaders are the ones that stick the game plan despite the many obstacles they will face along the journey.
The fact is that business success, especially in today’s dynamic and competitive market, is far from easy. We can expect both high and lows along the way.
However, Archbishop Gustavo’s message rings loudly here … It is our job to make faith happen even when the situation is dire.
We need to find our way out of the darkness into the light.
As I prepared to write this blog, I did a little research on the archbishop, and here is what I learned …
The eldest of fifteen children and born in San Luis Potosí.
Was sent to the United States to minister migrant workers in California.
Served in parishes across the United States, including in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland.
On October 14, 2010, he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as Archbishop of San Antonio.
Despite his many accomplishments, I’ve seen first-hand where Archbishop Gustavo is constantly making faith happen, and he does this a friendly, charismatic, and humble manner.
Inspiring Quotes
"And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." – Matthew 21:2
"Faith is unseen but felt, faith is strength when we feel we have none, faith is hope when all seems lost." – Catherine Pulsifer
Homework Inquiry
During the next week, here’s your homework inquiry: How does faith help you persevere during difficult times?
I use this opportunity to share with you a unique story and a couple inspiring quotes. Oh ... as a professor at heart, you guessed it, I have a homework inquiry for you. This is a powerful question that might just trigger you to take action on something that really matters in your life. If you feel the Catalyst Newsletter brings benefit to you.