The movie is
called - “God Is Not Dead.”
Josh Wheaton, a college
student, enrolls in a philosophy class
taught by Professor Jeffrey Radisson, an atheist, who
demands that his students sign a declaration that "God is dead." Josh
is the only student in the class who refuses to sign and is then required by
Radisson to debate the topic with him,
A number of people encourage
him to sign the declaration – but Josh cannot do it. How can he turn his back
on his faith? In the process, his courageous stand causes other young people to
consider faith in God.
Today, we hear the first
words in the Gospel of John spoken by Jesus “What are you looking for?” Which means:
What do you really want - what are you seeking? What is your goal in life? What is the meaning of your life?
Andrew responds – “Where are
you staying?” What is your
foundation? Where do you draw meaning
from??
Jesus says - “Come and you will see!” Come see for yourself!
Andrew sees – then brings
others to Jesus! Brought:
his brother Peter - young man with
5 loaves & 2 fish - children - Greeks. What
he received he gave as a gift!
A neighbor comes out of his house
with golf clubs – why don’t you come with me and play a round? But
Sunday means Church for me! I’m sorry. I’ve often wondered about your church
and I admire how faithful you are. Funny, I always invite you to play golf with
me. But you never invite me to go to church with you!
What brought you to church?
2% advertisement 6% invitation from a priest 6% outreach program 86% invitation from family member or
friend!
St. Francis once asked a
brother – come and preach with me. All day long they walked the streets of a
town. At the end of the day, they began to walk home. Not once did Francis
address a crowd. Young monk said – I thought
we were going to preach? We have preached. We were preaching while we were
walking. We were seen by many and our behavior was observed. It is no use to
walk to preach unless we preach everywhere we walk. Preach the Gospel at all times – if necessary,
use words!
Sometimes necessary to use
words!!!
Survey of active Catholics –
how do you pass on our beautiful faith?
1) Books, CD’s, you tube videos
2) Invite people to Catholic events
3) Bring a godly perspective to conversations.
4) Learn Catholic teachings on certain issues and
be able to defend Catholic teaching in social settings
5) Help people to discover answers to questions
that cause them to doubt the Catholic faith.
6) Demonstrate the love of God through service and
generous action.
Action step – try to do one
thing this week to share the faith!
Tell them you will pray for
them – give a book or CD – learn about a church teaching and explain it (like Pope on Birth Control) -
invite someone to a Catholic event or Mass -
What a difference it could
make drip drip into bucket – soon it
will overflow!
Unless you think – God is
dead?!
