I have a memory of my mother coming into my bedroom once when I was probably in Junior High School. She found me on my knees at the side of my bed praying.
“What are you praying for?” she asked.
“I want to get an A on my test in Geometry tomorrow.” I replied.
“Have you tried studying?”
“Oh Mom,” I said. “I’m so bored of studying!”
“Well my dear,” she retorted as she walked out the room, “God helps those who help themselves.”

In today’s first reading, I hear the two angels telling the Disciples, “Stop standing around looking up in the sky. He’s gone. And you have work to do.” It was true then, and it’s true today. I have work to do.

And that work is clearly spelled out in today’s Gospel. Jesus is incredibly clear to his followers about what he wants to have them do. “Go…and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”  [Mt 28:19] All that Jesus commanded his disciples is to go and teach everyone else everything he had been talking about during his ministry on earth. And what was it that Jesus commanded his disciples to do? Love one another. Feed the poor. Care for widows. Tend to the imprisoned. Clothe the naked. Shelter the homeless. Welcome the marginalized.

And as I look around, what do I see the world doing? Hmmm. I see rules and obligations and checklists. I’ll be kind and stop there. I don’t recall Jesus asking for any of those things. Now, don’t get me wrong. You and I both know that there are many good and holy people out there doing God’s work. And many of them are a part of the Church.

And yet, participation and membership in churches of all denominations are falling. Not because people are not good or kind. But, perhaps, they are not seeing the majority of members in these churches truly living the mandate that Jesus called for. If they did, would they want to be a part of it? I can’t say for sure, but I think it’d be an interesting experiment.

Jesus’ invitation is more than just about me saying “yes.” It’s about me DOING something about it. It might be something small, but still I can do it. I need to open my eyes as I drive around town and see the families standing at intersections asking for assistance. I need to hear the messages on the news and stand up for justice for everyone.  Jesus said he came to inaugurate a new world of peace and justice and love. And, he asked me to “be my witness…to the ends of the earth.”  [Acts 1:8] This I must do.
Every Day.