I’m frustrated! Many times, I have heard pastors talking about how great the Christian life is, the importance of living a moral life, the importance of giving and committing one’s life to Jesus and the Church. They and others share stories and experiences of living with Jesus. They talk about Jesus forgiving sin and being the Lord, Savior and Center of our lives. But how many actually “make the sale” by seeking a commitment? When was the last time you heard a minister, or anyone else, say, “Would you like to give your life to Jesus?”
As Catholics, we do it ritually in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, but unless we hear the invitation to make commitment, it feels hollow. It is like a salesperson who tells you all the wonderful things about a product and offers to sell you one. Then walks away without a contract. Where is the call to sign on the dotted line?
In some non-Catholic churches, they have altar calls in which those who wish to commit or renew their commitment to Jesus come forward to the altar and commit and recommit themselves to Jesus. Does that same thing happen when we as Catholics approach the altar at communion time? I fear for most Catholics, receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus, is not reciprocated by giving themselves to Jesus in response.
It seems to me that more of us, including priest and ministers, could practice making the sale by asking that we commit our lives, our families and our resources to God. It is not enough to just talk about saving souls. We must make the sale by asking those we love to commit to Jesus as Lord, Savior and Center of life. Only then ought we be able to call ourselves Christian. Are you ready? “Jesus, please be my Lord and Savior. Please be the Center of my life.”
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.”
