April 25, 2005

"Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: 'Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature... These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

The story is told of some unexpected visitors knocking on the door of the famous Catholic apologist, Karl Keating. These visitors, carrying the "Watchtower" magazine, struck up a challenging conversation with Mr. Keating, implying that as a Catholic he didn't have a strong belief in the truth of the Scriptures. They referred to today's Gospel reading, quoted in part above, where Jesus gives the great commission to his apostles to preach to everyone everywhere. Our Lord gives some examples of signs that will accompany them. These visitors challenged him by saying that if he really had faith in God's Word, he would drink a glass of water with a little arsenic that they had conveniently brought along.

After a quick but fervent prayer to the Holy Spirit, Mr. Keating replied, "Tell you what, I'll do something better: You drink the poison and I'll raise you from the dead!"

It is a fair question to ask what kinds of signs verify our response to the Lord Jesus. Some Catholics, especially the younger set, will wear Catholic or pro-life T-shirts to proclaim the faith to everyone everywhere they go. The more important signs of course are the virtues, such as humility and courage in the midst of adversities. Are we able to stand among a brood of vipers with deadly poison on their tongues, such as the coffee machine/gossip station at work, and bring a word of healing and reconciliation there instead? If someone is spiritually ill or sick of life for whatever reason, are we able to bring them the Word that will give them hope and a new lease on life? The great commission applies to all of us everywhere to give witness to everyone of the saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Fr. Richard Roemer, CFR
Community Vicar, residing at St. Joseph Friary in Harlem, New York

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