Casting Nets with the Saints. Chris Stewart

      Yet, our humble invitations might change all of eternity for those we encounter.

      There exists little debate that St. Catherine of Siena (1347–1380) is one of the strongest and most influential women the Church has ever known. While Catherine lived a short life, the lives she touched and perhaps the history of the Church were changed forever. Her influence on her family and friends was extraordinary. A friend of Catherine introduced her to a worldly gentleman, Francesco Malavolti. Francesco, hardened of heart and certain that this woman would not have the same effect on him as she did on his weak-minded friend, found himself in awe of the saint. After the encounter he repented, went to confession, changed his life, and became a devout friend of Catherine. When friends of Francesco harassed him about his newfound “boring” life, he encouraged them to meet Catherine, just once. Amazingly, they too experienced the loving God. What a great example of what I call “third-party evangelization!” Maybe your family and friends do not want to hear the Gospel from you, but there may be a faithful friend whom you can invite them to meet. Is there a book, movie, audio talk, or article you can invite them to experience? Or has someone written an article on social media networks that you can share with them? It is amazing how when someone else is saying it (even though it could be exactly what we have always said), our loved ones seem more open to the Truth conveyed.

      Perhaps the most well-known story of Catherine of Siena is her influence over Pope Gregory XI. At that time, popes lived in Avignon, France, instead of Rome, a period known as the Avignon Papacy (1309–1377). Catherine, feeling a commission from God, traveled to Avignon to convince Pope Gregory to return to Rome. For three months Catherine persisted with an unwavering strength, inviting the Supreme Pontiff to go back to his chair in Rome. After resisting for three months, Gregory finally relinquished the fight and promised the young woman that he would head to Rome. Shortly after Catherine returned home to Siena, she heard reports that the pope was having cold feet, being influenced by the French cardinals. Catherine dictated letters to Gregory imploring him to keep his promise, to be bold and have no fear. Thanks to Catherine’s letters, persistence, and especially her prayers, Pope Gregory XI returned to Rome on January 17, 1377. Our invitations to the Gospel must be persistent. Has someone said no to your invitation to a church event? Ask again! If St. Catherine went home after the first time the pope said no, then Church history might look dramatically different. What will eternity look like if you do not gently invite again?

      St. Norbert (1080–1134), archbishop of Magdeburg, Germany, and founder of the Premonstratensians (which became known as the Norbertines), greatly reformed the clergy and laity during his life. Theobald, Count of Champagne, already a deeply religious man, desired to join Norbert in his order’s way of life. The saint must have been overjoyed to have a prospective follower so young, passionate, and faithful (and yes, influential). Adding Theobald to Norbert’s religious order would surely get the attention of the nobility and benefit his work greatly. However, Norbert took Theobald’s request to prayer.

      After several days of prayer and discernment, Norbert shared with the young noble his decision. Norbert told Theobald, “You will not be a religious, you will continue to bear the yoke of the Lord as you have done, and you will add to it that of wedlock.” Norbert then gave the young man a white scapular to wear under his clothes and a rule of life that would lead to holiness and could be accomplished outside of a monastery. This would be the first known case of a laity living in the world and yet affiliated with a religious order. Who knows what Norbert heard or felt in his prayer about Theobald, but whatever it was, it lead to a personal invitation fit for Theobald. We must constantly discern WHAT it is we are inviting people to. Not all are ready for a weekend retreat or a Bible study. Some are ready to ask questions about vocation or to think about going to Mass again for the first time in decades. It is our duty to discern what it is we will invite our family, friends, coworkers, and strangers to so that they can be open to what the Spirit has prepared for them.

      If a top-ten list existed of the best evangelists of the two thousand years of Church history, St. Patrick (387–461) must certainly be considered. He is credited with the conversion of an entire country that in turn became missionaries to the entire world. The impact of this Irish priest on the Church in the United States cannot be underestimated. When Patrick set about his task of bringing the Gospel to the Emerald Isle, he had a laser-like focus on one group of people: the kings. He spent the majority of his missionary time attempting to convert the roughly one hundred kings of Ireland at the time. Patrick believed that if he could convince the kings of Christianity, then their subjects would follow. His theory proved to bear much fruit.

      Obviously, Patrick believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ exists for everyone, even those not in power. However, his method to reach everyone involved targeting people with the most influence. Over twenty years of ministry, I have come to the same conclusion. If we try to bring people of influence to Christ, they are going to bring others with them. Whether in our parishes, youth groups, schools, workplaces, or families, ask: Who is the most influential person in this community? Whom do people follow, not necessarily because they are in a leadership role but because they possess that charism of leadership? Have we invited them to a full life in Christ? Can you imagine how many souls could come to know the loving mercy of our Lord if this person became a powerful light of the Hope of Salvation? All of this is possible with the mighty stroke of an invitation.

      Today’s secular culture gives us great fear when extending invitations. We fear being called intolerant or a radical. Many times we presume the answer to our invitation will be no; therefore, we do not ask. But we do not know the answer! It is our responsibility to invite and allow the Holy Spirit to do what he does best: move hearts. If we have discerned what we are inviting people to, then we should have no fear. Whether it is a leader in the community or you need to bring in a faithful friend, have confidence that the Lord of all hearts desires what you desire: their salvation.

      Pillar 3

       Hospitable

      Being Church means being God’s people, in accordance with the great plan of his fatherly love. This means that we are to be God’s leaven in the midst of humanity. It means proclaiming and bringing God’s salvation into our world, which often goes astray and needs to be encouraged, given hope and strengthened on the way. The Church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel.

      — Pope Francis ¹⁵

      An invitation means nothing if, when a person attends an event, retreat, parish, or home, he or she is not made to feel welcomed. When guests arrive in our churches and communities, it is imperative that they feel this is where they belong, that this is family, and this is what they long for. However, our sense of being hospitable must move beyond our natural capabilities. Our welcome must indeed be so real that it gives people a taste of their eternal home. Have you ever spent time with someone you believed was a living saint? Do you remember the feeling of wanting to linger in their presence and longing for the next time you would see them? The saints are sanctuaries of the Lord’s loving arms.