What did you expect?

By Mike Reynolds, Diocesan Stewardship Council

There is an old story that bears repeating: A man lived in an area that was about to be flooded. A Red Cross bus drove through to evacuate residents. When the bus driver invited him to jump aboard and get out of harm’s way, he declined, saying, “I will be OK. I have prayed to the Lord for deliverance.” Later, as the flood waters rose to the level of his porch, a sheriff’s department boat came by and offered to carry him to safety. Again he refused, claiming that the Lord will answer his prayer for protection. Later, as the flood waters drove the man to his roof, a Coast Guard helicopter hovered over his house, offering to drop a lifeline to him. Once again, he declined help, sticking to his belief that God would answer his prayer for help. Well, unfortunately our friend did not survive the flood. In heaven, the man approached the Lord expressing his disappointment that his prayer for the Lord’s help went unanswered. The Lord smiled and gently reminded him: “I sent you a bus, a boat, and a helicopter. What more did you expect from me?”

The message of the story is clear. Just maybe God has provided us with all that we need. We just need to recognize it and – most importantly – be open to it. We simply need to be willing to work with the gifts given to us, to develop them. Each parish, large or small, faces its unique challenges. But none of these challenges are situations in which there will be a “rescue” or resolution outside ourselves. We are all going to have to step up and revitalize our own parishes. We need to develop the talents of people we have, and be smarter about how we do things.

The Diocesan Stewardship Council is beginning a series of conferences in each vicariate to help educate parishioners about: how to recognize and develop strengths; how to foster small group faith-sharing (the best tool to engage people); how to raise our level of hospitality; how to use the latest communication technologies; and how to be more like the Church Pope Francis envisions in his book, “The Joy of the Gospel.” Stay tuned for a mini-conference in your area!