The New Vineyard of Grace

October 4, 2026 Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) Readings for Today

Your Word is a Light, by Lawrence OP, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Video Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes? Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” Matthew 21:42–43 The Parable of the Wicked Tenants is rich in Old Testament imagery. The image of the vineyard comes from the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 5:1–7) and represents the people of Israel. The landowner is God, who, from the time of Abraham, has lovingly and intentionally cultivated His people. The hedge, tower, and winepress symbolize God’s providential care, protection, and the structure He established for their spiritual growth, respectively. The tenants are the religious elite of Israel who were entrusted with guiding the people in holiness. The servants sent by the landowner are the prophets—faithful messengers consistently rejected and mistreated. Finally, the son is Jesus Himself, sent by the Father as the culmination of His divine outreach. The parable ends in tragedy with the son’s murder. Yet from that tragedy arises a new beginning: “The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit” (Matthew 21:43). Though Jesus was addressing the religious leaders of His time—the scribes, Pharisees, chief priests, Sadducees, and elders—His enduring promise of a new beginning speaks to us today. We are invited to be part of the people to whom God now entrusts His vineyard, the Church. Today, the hedge, winepress, and tower represent the Sacraments, the teaching authority of the Church, Sacred Scripture, and the communion of the faithful. God continues to cultivate His vineyard with great care, expecting it to bear fruit through our lives of holiness, fidelity, charity, and truth. Each of us, as members of the Body of Christ, is called to receive this trust with gratitude and to labor diligently for the Kingdom, never forgetting the price paid by the Son who was cast out and killed for our redemption. Sometimes, when we speak of “the Church,” we do so as if it were some distant institution. Our minds may turn immediately to the Vatican, the pope, or the local bishop. While these shepherds hold crucial and foundational roles within the vineyard, we need to understand the Church in a more encompassing way. To use the image from today’s parable, the vineyard and the fruit it is meant to bear are not equated exclusively with the tenants, the servants, the son, or even the landowner. The vineyard itself represents the entire people of God. The fruit it produces is the grace-filled witness of lives transformed by faith. This includes all of us: clergy, religious, and laity alike. Every member of the Church is a laborer in the vineyard, called to work together, under the guidance of Christ, the true Son, and to offer to the Father a rich harvest of justice, mercy, and truth. Reflect today on how to make this parable your personal calling. The Kingdom of God has been partly entrusted to you to be one who will labor for the salvation of souls—“people that will produce its fruit.” The work of evangelization is an ongoing and urgent mission. In what ways is God calling you to work in His Divine Vineyard? Is it through faithful prayer, by which the vines of grace are pruned and nourished? Is it through the work of harvesting, where you draw others to Christ by your words, your witness, and your works of love? Is it through quiet perseverance in suffering, offered in union with the Crucified One? However God calls you, do not delay. Receive His trust with humility, and labor with joy. The vineyard is His, but the fruit depends, in part, on you. My glorious King, You have called us to Yourself and made us members of Your Kingdom. You have also sent us forth to labor in the vineyard of Your Church and help draw many souls to Your Sacred Heart. Please reveal to me the role and mission You have entrusted to me. May I listen attentively to Your gentle commands and respond with a heart full of generosity and faith. May Your Church—of which I am a living member—continue to bear abundant fruit through the grace You pour forth. Jesus, I trust in You.

Are You Keeping Track Of Your Bathroom Visits? You Should Be

By Mercey Livingston

September 22, 2026

You know what “normal” looks like when it comes to your personal bathroom routine. But is your “normal” healthy? We have plenty of cultural assumptions about what “healthy” looks like, but digestive patterns can vary significantly from person to person. Even with the increase in focus on gut health, some of us aren’t yet connecting the dots between these everyday data points and the bigger picture.

So how can you better understand your baseline and what it means for your health?

It’s more helpful to understand your own personal baseline than to compare yourself to some arbitrary ideal. One way to find yours is by tracking your everyday bathroom routine with Kohler Health’s Dekoda.

 

How often should you really be having a bowel movement?

You may be wondering how often you should really be having a bowel movement. Every day? Multiple times a day? What about if you’re less regular than that?

It turns out that going every single day isn't necessarily the only marker of regularity. Research1 shows that having a bowel movement up to three times per day and as infrequently as three times a week is considered normal. So going every single day is certainly not a bad sign, but it’s not the only pattern that signals healthy digestion. 

Other than medical factors such as medications, digestive conditions, or IBS, there are several factors that can influence bowel movement frequency. 

What influences bowel movement frequency?

How often you have a bowel movement can truly vary from person to person. Research shows that several factors influence bowel movement frequency, including:

• Diet
• Exercise
• Gut microbiome
• Lifestyle factors

All of the factors above can influence frequency, but understanding your baseline and what consistency means in your routine matters. When you know your normal, you can get a better picture of what suboptimal means for you. This is why healthcare professionals will look for trends when they ask about your health—they are less interested in a one-time event (unless it’s extreme) than what your day-to-day looks like. 

What should healthy stool consistency look like?

Stool consistency may be something you haven’t spent much time thinking about (unless you’re feeling unwell). But it actually is an important detail to pay attention to when considering gut health and keeping tabs on your overall well-being. 

The Bristol Stool Form Scale is considered one of the health industry’s go-to tools for helping medical professionals (and everyday people) determine what to look for when understanding bathroom habits and evaluating stools for signs of health, or signs that something may be off and require expert guidance.

In general, per the Bristol Scale, stool types 1-2 (hard) are considered constipation, 3-4 are considered normal, healthy stools (that is, if you are passing type 3 or 4 stools at least 3 times per week, and no more than 3 times per day), and type 5-7 (too soft, mushy, or entirely liquid) are considered diarrhea. 

The biggest thing to look out for with stool consistency and form is what your normal looks like. It’s not necessarily a cause for concern if you occasionally deviate from type 3 or 4 stools. But if your normal stool is almost never or rarely a type 3 or 4, then that may warrant a conversation with your doctor.

How much variation is normal?

So, now you have an idea of what your normal looks like for you. What is considered normal variation and when do you know when it’s time to talk to your doctor if things seem off? 

Variation in your bathroom routine is not a cause for concern in itself. Life, travel, work, and stress can all affect your bathroom habits and routine–which is totally normal. Even everyday factors such as hydration, the food you eat, how much sleep you get, your workouts, and if you are sick or take any medications are all factors that can change your normal from time to time. 

Again, this is where better understanding your baseline is ideal, so you can track any changes over time and determine if there is a pattern forming to take note of. And if that pattern persists, then you can bring your concerns to a trusted healthcare provider.

What can your bathroom habits tell you about hydration?

Where your stool falls on the Bristol Stool Scale can be affected by your hydration level. Hydration is key for so many areas of well-being — it’s connected to focus, energy levels, performance, recovery, and more. In fact, hydration status is a key factor in determining your bathroom patterns. Taking a deeper look into these bathroom patterns can help give you more insight into your hydration levels, beyond simply counting how many glasses of water you had in a day.  

Why your personal baseline matters

There is a wide range of “normal,” which is why knowing your own patterns can be so valuable. Taking the steps to track your routines and gather data is one way to have better insights and tools to help you optimize your health. 

Empowering yourself with a better understanding of your baseline can make it easier to recognize meaningful changes and provide more useful information to discuss with a healthcare provider when appropriate.

The easier way to understand your “normal”

Kohler Health’s Dekoda is an intelligent bathroom device designed to help you establish and understand these patterns over time. Dekoda is a toilet-mounted health tracker that turns your everyday bathroom habits into empowering health insights. It was named a winner of Fast Company's 2026 Innovation by Design Awards in the Health and Wellness category, and has also earned a 2026 iF Design Award Gold and a Reviewed Editor's Choice designation.

Dekoda can help you track key bathroom health signals without requiring you to manually log every visit, which means it’s a passive and efficient way to gather data and translate that data into personalized trends and insights through the Kohler Health app.

Dekoda monitors your everyday bathroom activity for patterns and trends. It can monitor hydration status, spot digestive patterns, and alert you if there are any signs of blood in your stool. 

The takeaway 

We spend a lot of time trying to figure out whether our health metrics measure up to what's considered “normal.” 

When it comes to digestive health, one of the most useful benchmarks may be the one your own body establishes over time. That’s why using a tool like Kohler Health’s Dekoda can be a powerful part of a proactive approach to your everyday health. 

Don’t flush away valuable information that can give you better insight into your health. Why not use this information to help give you a better picture of your digestive health over time?

A 2.3M-Case Analysis Found This Unexpected Cancer Risk Factor.

By Zhané Slambee

October 01, 2026

An HPV vaccine can feel like protection against an infection. A hepatitis B shot can feel like another routine vaccine.

And a screening test might just seem like one more appointment to check off your list. But these forms of preventive care can also help lower your risk of certain cancers.

In a recent analysis1, researchers looked at how much of the world's cancer burden could be linked to infections. The findings highlight an often-overlooked part of cancer prevention.

About the analysis

Researchers used global cancer data to estimate how many new cancer cases in 2024 could be attributed to 12 infectious agents known to cause cancer in humans. The analysis included bacteria, viruses, and parasites and examined differences by country, sex, age, and region.

Importantly, this doesn't mean an infection directly caused every individual cancer case in the analysis.

Researchers estimated the proportion of cancer cases in the population that could be attributed to these infections based on established evidence linking them to cancer.

2.3 million cancer cases were linked to infections

The analysis estimated that 2.3 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2024 were attributable to infections. That's about 12% of all new cancer cases, or roughly 1 in 8.

That's where prevention comes in. Some of these infections can be prevented through vaccination, while others can be detected early through testing and, in some cases, treated.

Addressing an infection earlier can create an opportunity to reduce its long-term consequences.

RELATED READ: Is This The Best Supplement For Energy?

A few ways to lower your risk

You don't need to completely change your health routine. A few familiar preventive-care steps can help:

• Check your vaccine status: HPV and hepatitis B vaccines can prevent infections associated with several cancers. If you're unsure whether you're vaccinated or need another dose, ask a health professional.
• Stay current with screening: Cervical cancer screening can detect HPV-related changes before they develop into cancer. Depending on your health history and risk factors, testing for H. pylori, HBV, or HCV may also be appropriate.
• Ask about testing: If you have risk factors for one of these infections or aren't sure whether you've been tested, bring it up at your next appointment. Some infections can be treated or managed, potentially reducing their long-term health consequences.

The takeaway

Some cancer prevention starts long before cancer is on the radar. Vaccination, screening, and timely treatment can help reduce the impact of several infections tied to millions of cases worldwide.

Can Walking Pace Affect Frailty? What A New Study Shows

Assistant Health Editor

By Sela Breen

Assistant Health Editor

Sela Breen is the Assistant Health Editor at mindbodygreen. She is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, where she studied journalism, international studies, and theatre.

October 01, 2026

For a long time, frailty has been considered irreversible. Once someone starts slowing down, losing strength, or feeling less steady on their feet, the goal usually shifts to managing the decline rather than reducing it.

A new study on walking pace is challenging that assumption. Researchers compared older adults who walked at a faster, more challenging pace to those who walked at their own comfortable pace. The findings go beyond the traditional "walking is good for you" mantra—keep reading to see what the study uncovered.

About the study

Researchers ran a randomized controlled trial comparing two walking programs in older adults living in retirement communities who were already frail or at risk of becoming frail. One group did high-intensity walking workouts, pushing their pace to a challenging level. The other group walked at their own comfortable, self-selected speed.

The study analyzed 105 participants, with 47 in the high-intensity group and 58 in the casual-pace group. Most participants were women, most identified as non-Hispanic white, and all of the retirement communities were in a single metro area, so these findings may not fully reflect a more diverse population.

Researchers assessed each person's frailty with standard measures before and after the walking programs, with assessors who didn't know which group each participant belonged to.

RELATED READ: These 3 Nutrients Improve Bone Health & Lower Fracture Risk

Faster pace, bigger payoff

The group that walked at a higher intensity showed more improvement in their frailty than the group that walked at a comfortable pace. In other words, just walking isn't enough to improve frailty—effort matters. Moving with more intensity is what appeared to make the difference.

This tracks with previous research from the same team, which found that high-intensity walking programs can lead to real, measurable improvements in frailty scores and in how fast someone can walk, even among adults already living with frailty. A related review backs this up too, noting that high-intensity exercise sustained for at least 12 weeks tends to have the most beneficial effect on physical frailty, with the biggest improvements showing up around the six-month mark.

Why does picking up the pace do more for your body than walking leisurely? Pushing your walking speed asks more of your muscles, heart, lungs, and balance systems all at once. That extra demand appears to prompt the body to adapt and rebuild strength and function, rather than just maintain the status quo.

But frailty isn't only about muscle. It also involves gait speed, energy, and balance. Fast-paced walking challenges all of those systems together, which may explain why the effect on frailty showed up so clearly.

If you're trying to build muscle, it's also important to eat a sufficient amount of protein to ensure your body has the right building blocks to adapt and rebuild after a challenging walk. Pairing a faster-paced walking routine with adequate protein intake will help the body respond even better to that extra demand.

How to put the research into practice

You may worry that pushing older, frailer adults to walk faster is dangerous, but the research did not see a sharp increase in injury. Adverse events during the high-intensity walking sessions were rare.

Frailty is common, so this provides some reassurance that faster-paced walking is both safe and effective. Global estimates1 suggest frailty and pre-frailty affect a significant share of older adults, with people categorized as pre-frail likely to progress toward frailty over time. Knowing that a faster walking pace can be introduced safely opens the door to a wider group of people benefiting from it.

If you want to start pushing your walking pace, or want to encourage someone you love to do so, here are some ways to get started:

• Start with a baseline check: Before ramping up intensity, it's worth talking to a doctor or physical therapist to make sure it is specifically safe for you. This especially important if balance, joint pain, or other health conditions are a concern.
• Pick up the pace gradually: Instead of walking at a comfortable, easy pace the whole time, try pushing yourself to a speed that feels noticeably more challenging for short stretches. A good way to test this is to see what pace makes conversation a bit harder.
• Try interval-style walking: Alternating a few minutes of faster walking with a few minutes at a comfortable pace can be a gentler way to build up intensity over time.
• Make consistency the goal: The research suggests the biggest benefits build over months, not days, so regular sessions matter more than any single walk.
• Use support if needed: A walking pole, supportive shoes, or a walking partner can make faster-paced walking feel safer and more sustainable.

The takeaway

Frailty has long been treated as something to slow down, not something to undo. While a small trial in a handful of retirement communities can't settle that question on its own, it suggests this pessimistic view of frailty is likely overstated, and your walking is a variable worth paying attention to. So pay attention to your pace the next time you head out for a walk—it may prevent falls and broken bones down the line.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-faster-pace-high-intensity-walking-may-reduce-reverse-frailty?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NL_DIGEST_10-2-26%20%282026-10-02%29&utm_id=01M3WF2YVNW8QXBY1TTQ2BYP4E&mbg_mcid=01M3WF2YVNW8QXBY1TTQ2BYP4E&mbg_pid=01JFB9GS538RWP0S5EWY56NQWH&source=Klaviyo&_kx=aFeE7s-l3sHB7D79PCj-SjpmfHuIKHLeOwXhAOuWHX4.TKHRHv

Spiritual Warfare and Heavenly Glory

October 3, 2026 Saturday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time Readings for Today

Image via Adobe Stock Video The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17–20 The seventy-two disciples Jesus sent out on a mission symbolize the whole Church. Though the Twelve Apostles and their apostolic successors, the bishops, hold a unique role in providing the foundation of the Church, the seventy-two represent all disciples who, after choosing to follow Christ in word and deed, are then sent forth to witness to the Gospel and exercise Christ’s authority. It’s interesting that when the seventy-two returned, their only recorded reaction was, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Why is that? Why not say, “Lord, many hearts were touched, and many came to believe in You”? Perhaps for a few reasons. First, given the mixture of many pagan religious practices found in first-century Israel, it’s possible that demonic possession was far more prevalent and visible than it is today. Or perhaps satan is just as active now, but more subtle and deceptive in appearance. It’s also possible that mental illness was often interpreted as demonic possession. Another reason the seventy-two may have focused on the authority over demons they experienced on mission is because, then as now, many people find evil and demonic activity strangely fascinating. Evil and satanic manifestations can create a dark allure in people’s minds. Whatever the reason for their fascination, there is something good in the joy they experienced. Demons and demonic possession are jarring and intimidating. Therefore, when these disciples encountered demons directly and then successfully commanded them to be silent or to depart from a possessed person, they were rightly relieved and overjoyed. Christ had given them authority over evil, and the demons were overpowered by a simple command spoken in Jesus’ name. Jesus acknowledges the value of this spiritual warfare and affirms that it was by His authority that the seventy-two prevailed. However, He also places their mission and its fruits in proper order. Driving out demons is not an end in itself. It may be necessary at times, but it is not the highest good. The salvation of souls, which gives God eternal glory, is the highest good. Therefore, Jesus says, “Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” These same principles apply to us. Though we might not encounter demons visibly possessing people and being cast out through an exorcism, we do see the evil one at work in countless ways and are often more fascinated by that evil than by God’s grace quietly building up His Kingdom. For example, consider your interest in the latest headlines. If two stories were covered—one a shocking display of evil, the other an inspiring account of God’s grace at work—which would catch most people’s attention? Likely the shocking and demonic one. Though like the seventy-two, we must be attentive to the demonic forces at work and do our part to overcome them, we must also be careful not to make the fight against evil our primary focus. Rather, combating evil is only a means to a far greater end: the sanctity of every soul and the upbuilding of the Kingdom of God. Reflect today on your own focus. Are you more fascinated by the darkness of evil or by the light of grace? Are you more intrigued by dramatic spiritual battles or by the quiet workings of sanctity? Rejoice above all that your name, by God’s grace, is written in heaven, and make this the ultimate goal of all you do by God’s grace. All-powerful Lord, You command the demons, and they obey. Grant me the grace to rebuke the evil one and all his works. Even more, grant me the grace to be transformed in heart, conformed ever more perfectly to You, so that I may share more fully in Your Kingdom and help draw others into the glory of eternal life. Jesus, I trust in You.

The Angel at Your Side

Friday, October 2, 2026 Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels Readings for Today

Main: The Guardian Angel, by Bernhard Plockhorst Featured image via Adobe Stock Video “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” Matthew 18:10 Angels fascinate both young and old. Countless books and stories have been written and shared about encounters with these heavenly beings. If you were to behold one of God’s angels, you would undoubtedly be filled with awe, marveling at the angel’s beauty, splendor, and power. Today, the Church honors those members of the Celestial Hierarchy who are most intimately involved in our daily lives: our Guardian Angels. The Gospel for this Memorial offers us insight into both their nature and their greatness. The passage begins with a worldly question posed by Jesus’ disciples: “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Their question reveals a lingering attachment to status and honor, reflective of human preoccupations both then and now. In response, Jesus performs a surprising gesture—He places a child in their midst. In the first-century Jewish context, children held little societal importance. They had no legal authority, no public voice, and no influence. Therefore, Jesus’ action is radical. By presenting a child as the model of greatness, He overturns conventional standards and introduces new criteria: humility, simplicity, dependence, weakness, and childlike trust in God. Jesus then offers a deeper reason why a child is truly great: “Their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” These angels are the Guardian Angels. If each child is assigned such a noble guardian who stands perpetually in the presence of God, then the child, too, shares in that dignity. In fact, so does every person, for God gifts each one of us with a Guardian Angel. From this perspective, human greatness is not determined by accomplishments or public acclaim but by the love and care God lavishes upon each soul. The very fact that God entrusts every person with an angel reveals each one’s intrinsic worth and sacred dignity. The gift of a Guardian Angel means that each one of us—whether a powerful ruler or a hidden soul in humble circumstances—has value in God’s eyes. This first form of greatness arises from our very nature—who we are in God’s sight. Such recognition should be enough for us to honor one another and treat every person with reverence. If the angels of Heaven love and serve those around us—our families, neighbors, even strangers—then we, too, must strive to love and serve them with the same devotion and love. There is also a second form of greatness worth reflecting on: the greatness that comes from freely cooperating with the will of God. When we submit ourselves to His providence and actively embrace the mission our Guardian Angels are tasked with—to guide, protect, and lead us to holiness—God’s grace abounds in our lives. This does not make us intrinsically “greater” than others, but it allows the greatness of God to shine more brightly through us. In this way, His glory is magnified in and through our cooperation with His will. Reflect today on the quiet presence of your Guardian Angel. Consider the immense dignity you possess in God’s eyes, a dignity confirmed by the fact that an angel has been appointed to walk with you through life. Then reflect also on the dignity of every person you encounter each day. Even those who sin and stray from God’s will have been entrusted to an angel’s care. We must strive to love and serve them as their angels do. As you ponder this awe-inspiring gift, allow this truth to fill you with peace, humility, and a renewed resolve to follow God’s will and to help others do the same, so that His greatness may radiate through your life. Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. Guardian angel, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.

Testifying to the Truth

October 1, 2026 Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church Readings for Today Readings for Thursday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Sending Out Disciples, by Lawrence OP, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Video Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.”  Luke 10:1–3 One of the clearest safeguards for ensuring the authenticity and integrity of Christian duty is that we proclaim the Gospel in communion with others. The Christian disciple is never a lone ranger. We do not carry the mission of Christ by private inspiration or isolated insight, but in the context of the Church. The Gospel we preach is not our own. It originates in God, is handed on through Sacred Tradition, and is entrusted to the Church as a whole. When Jesus sent out the seventy-two disciples, He sent them in pairs. This had deep theological and scriptural significance. According to Mosaic Law, the testimony of two or three witnesses was necessary to establish truth (cf. Deuteronomy 19:15). This standard was well known in Jewish culture and was traditionally applied to legal cases, but Jesus elevated it to strengthen the credibility of evangelization. Two disciples witnessing together to the truth of the Gospel would speak with a kind of moral and spiritual authority that mirrored this ancient tradition. Moreover, when we speak in union with the Church and act in concert with other faithful witnesses, our united work of evangelization becomes a harmonious echo of God’s Word rather than a solitary voice subject to distortion. Even our Lord Himself respected this principle. When the Pharisees challenged Jesus for speaking on His own authority, He responded, “Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified… I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me” (cf. John 8:14, 18). Jesus makes clear that He does not speak in isolation; the Father testifies on His behalf. Thus, even the Son, in His earthly mission, models the humility of cooperative testimony. Consider your own duty to testify to the truth of the Gospel. The Twelve whom Jesus had earlier sent represent the bishops of the Church, who form the foundation of Christ’s mission through their participation in apostolic succession. In today’s Gospel, the seventy-two represent every disciple of Christ, including each of us today. Discipleship is much more than following Jesus through a personal devotion to Him and His teachings. It also includes being sent by Him. Once we receive the Gospel and interiorize it through living faith and prayer, we will then be sent by Christ to go forth and testify to the truth we have received. This is not an option; it’s a necessity. How well do you do this? Sometimes we can fall into the trap of thinking that our faith is something personal that we keep to ourselves. But it is not. It must be shared, and if we are disciples, then we are also evangelists. Being an evangelist does not necessarily mean we enter into a full-time apostolate by which we preach and teach as we travel from town to town. For most, evangelization takes place in the ordinary rhythms of life—in our families, workplaces, neighborhoods, and social settings. It means living our faith with authenticity, speaking the truth with charity, and radiating Christ through our actions as well as our words. It means being willing to witness to the Gospel even when it is uncomfortable, unpopular, or rejected, and doing so in union with others in the faith. Reflect today on whether you are testifying to the truth in the way God is asking of you. Have you embraced both the privilege and the responsibility of being sent? Resolve to go forth with the courage of a lamb in the midst of wolves, never alone, but always in communion with Christ and His Church, bearing witness to the Kingdom that is at hand. Doing so will not only bring blessings to others, it will also deepen your faith and communion with God. My Lord and Living Word, Your voice must go out to the ends of the earth, drawing many to You through the members of Your Mystical Body, the Church. Please draw me close to You, dear Lord, and when I am ready, send me forth with others to testify to the Truth of Your saving Word. Use me as an instrument of Your grace, that through my witness, You may draw many souls into the glory of Your Eternal Kingdom. Jesus, I trust in You.