Image by Melissa Clayton
Judith 14:1-19
Here, Judith leads everyone with specific instructions on how to seize the Assyrians without even trying.
And because she just beheaded the leader of their enemy, everyone followed every word to the T. This woman knows what she’s talking about!
When she summoned for Achior, he fell down to his knees upon seeing the head of Holofernes. Judith described everything that happened the last few days, and all the people shouted and cheered.
“And when Achior saw all that the God of Israel had done, he believed firmly in God, and was circumcised, and joined the house of Israel, remaining so to this day.” (v.10)
All it takes is one person to shine for God. Shine so brightly that when they look at her, they can’t deny Him.
How do you shine for God?
Now, please understand - I’m not here to judge anyone. But it greatly worries my heart that we, as Catholics, as much as we love Communion, adoration, and all things Catholic - we can be very into Catholic culture but don’t show great love to everyone. EVERYONE. Especially people who are hard to love. Or those who have fallen from the Church.
Now, I make this plea with you, humbly and respectfully, because I was one of those people who fell away from the Church. When my siblings passed away and my parents divorced, I spent years and years in complete darkness and pain. I was depressed and suicidal. Drowning, angry, grieving. Lifeless. Dead.
No one reached out to me. Not a single one of my Catholic friends. For every one of them who went to Mass diligently and prayed the Rosary, they had nothing to show for it if someone right there in their lives was suffering and they didn’t reach out. I’m not the only one who’s ever experienced this. Let’s call to mind that Jesus wasn’t with the priests - He was out with the tax collectors, lepers, sick and brokenhearted.
What good is going to Mass if you can’t love everyone? If they can’t see Christ in you? If you can’t be the hands and feet of God?
Judith didn’t just talk the talk. She walked the walk, and through her, Achior came to believe in God. He needed that fearlessness and strength that Judith had from the Holy Spirit.
Are you reaching out and leading others to God? Or are you turning them away from Him?
Peace be with you, my gorgeous faithful sister.
