We're not on dope — just filled with hope

Sermon reflection by Kevin J. Banet

I”m amazed at how Fr. Peter Armenio is full of energy at 7:30 at night, moving about in the pulpit like a boxer in a ring. One night recently he gave an evening of reflection to men on how, in the New Evangelization, society has to be Christianized. “The hope and burden of the Church is on the shoulders of the laity,” said Fr. Armenio, who is the head of Opus Dei in the Midwest.

The twin apostolates of prayer and the education of young women are pursued by the Visitation Sisters of Georgetown. Are you searching for God’s calling? Consider a life with the Washington, DC.

“We want to give people a connection with Christ,” he said. “The evangelist must make Him real.” Jesus said that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, and that means to convert others, he said.

Our witness should stir up a question in others. The first letter to Peter says, “Be ready to give a reason for the hope that is within you.” Fr. Peter told a story about when he worked in a lab while in college. One day his supervisor asked, “What is wrong with your buddies?” referring to Father”s friends who had come by to pick him up. “They”re too happy.” When Fr. Peter asked him what he meant, the supervisor said, “they”ve been smoking dope.” They weren”t taking drugs of course, but simply filled with the optimism and hope of God.

“Are we arousing curiosity?” Fr. Peter challenged us, explaining that we must work hard, be loyal, be an understanding person, and have joy, kindness and love. People should wonder why we are different.

The spread of Christianity in the ancient world began one on one. It was slow at first. People look for solutions to their problems, such as for jobs, or for healing. What they are looking for — only Christ can give. “False gods are bankrupt.”

In their hearts, people ask us, “Make Christ real for me.” So be a witness, not a moralizer, Father reminded us. Christ says, “I want you to be a light of the world.” We should offer Christianity with the same attitude as that of Christ, who said in so many words, “Give it a try, boys.” Jesus said, “Come and see.”

There is the story of a man who, through friendship, brought thirty people into the Catholic Church through his lifetime. “Only when we become another Christ can we be witnesses of Christ,” Fr. Peter said.

(Fr. Peter referred to Pope Benedict”s Encyclical on Hope.)