“And whether they heed or resist” (Ez 2:5)

The past year, one of my family members has been inquiring about the Catholic faith. She has seen the witness of my husband and me, the joy that we share, and the beautiful blessings that the Lord has given to us. We were excited when she wanted to attend Mass and parish events with us. We were encouraged when she began the RCIA process.

Unfortunately, after many months of beautiful encounters with Christ, she chose to step away.

We can sometimes feel as though it our job to make someone love Christ, that we are only successful in evangelization when someone converts. God’s words to Ezekiel in the first reading tell us otherwise, “But you shall say to them: Thus says the LORD GOD! And whether they heed or resist…they shall know that a prophet has been among them.”

We cannot force conversion. We can only be witnesses, provide opportunities for encounter with Christ, and fervently pray. They will know that the Lord has been among them, and it is their choice to follow or to turn away.

Join me in praying this week for those who have not yet fallen in love with Christ. Let us trust in the Lord’s ability to draw people to Himself through our humble witness.