On the Local Front

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A vast majority of the posts on this website take time to advance philosophical and theoretical knowledge about building the City of God here on earth.  Other posts take time to acknowledge practical applications of those philosophies and theories, especially as they are applied by other people (both living and dead).  Rarely do I spend my words bragging about my own efforts.

This post will be different, however.  I feel that it is appropriate to share with my readers some of the ways that I have been working recently for the glory of God.  Many times, readers can gain inspiration from personal stories about conversion, joy, and good work.  I share not to gain recognition, but to pass on the abundance of graces that I have received because of such work.

The building that must be done is abundant!  But, I cannot (nobody can) begin such a large project without directions and tools.  In His infinite wisdom, God has clearly revealed to me the areas of His City upon which He wants me to focus.  Moreover, he has gifted me with very specific tools to assist me during such work.

All faithful Catholics recognize that one's relationship with God is the firm foundation that allows people to engage in building His City.  Without a vibrant, fruitful relationship with Him, no person would be able to bear fruit for the Kingdom.  Thus, my preparation for building the City of God consists of two key elements: personal prayer and the Mass.  I have always realized that I am most fit to build when I am in communion with the Lord, when I am attentive to His will rather than mine.

Aside from my relationship with God, my first and greatest recent building responsibility (and the one that takes the most time and energy) is my own family.  Our domestic church is the primary project that the Almighty has entrusted to me, and it is with great joy that I have set to work for the past two and one-half years.  Further, there is much progress to be found in this single area.  Although I am far from perfect, I have become quite attentive to the needs of my wife and son; and I find that I enjoy meeting those needs more than I ever thought possible.  I continually pray that my words and actions will show God's love to the two most important people in my life, and I pray that His love will radiate through us to our extended family.

In addition to caring for my family, God has called me to build His City by ministering to the youth of a large parish.  Yes, the brainy young man who never really understood the teenage condition has been chosen to lead them to Christ.  In that endeavor, He has given me countless opportunities, as well as the necessary building tools.

Within the entire youth ministry, there are middle school youth and high school youth; there are evangelistic gatherings, catechetical sessions, service projects, and social opportunities.  My particular favorites are discussing pop culture with middle school youth (because of their silly antics, mostly) and developing catechetical series for youth (about the Mass, St. Paul, and other topics).  I suppose that the efforts are bearing fruit because the number of participant youth and families has risen over three years, and because numerous other parishioners tell me on a regular basis how much the ministry means to the parish.

When those primary vocations are well-balanced and provided for, God also has blessed me with the ability to catechize adults.  Since I am trained as an historian, I have been asked on several occasions to teach Church history courses for my parish and diocese.  In the past two years, I have developed a general survey of the history of the Church throughout twenty centuries all over the world, as well as a course that details the history of the Church in America.  Each time that I get to teach such courses, I feel that God wants to speak to the class participants through me; that I am being used as a means for Him to convey Truth.  It is a fantastic feeling!

I do wish, on many occasions, that I had more time to engage other areas of this most important building project (like social service and community fellowship groups).  However, I accept that God has called me into a very specific situation, and that He may call me elsewhere in the near future.  So, for the time being, I will be content to build the City in exactly the way that He commands.

I am very interested in hearing about the ways that God has called my readers to build His City, too.  Please take a moment to leave a comment about how you feel that God is working through you.  Please also continue to pray that His Kingdom will reign on earth now and forever!

God bless! 

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