We here in Missouri are residents of the “Show Me” state. For us who exhibit the malady in it’s truest form, it’s living constantly in a state of “I don’t believe you unless you prove it to me”. I’ve got it bad…ask my wife. She is always being aggravated by me checking on whatever she tells me…as if she is a compulsive liar or nitwit…of which she definitely is neither! Some people really get offended when you verify what they’ve told you…not me, I get it.

In our mass readings today (ACTS 3:11–26, LK 24:35–48), Jesus. appears to His disciples after the Resurrection, eating a meal with them and explaining all that He had previously told them, pertaining to His passion, death and resurrection. In our first reading, Peter addresses the amazed people who have just witnessed the healing of the crippled man with the authority and name of Jesus alone. He asks them why they are surprised, after all Jesus explained all these things to them before they put to death the “Author of Life”.

Faith is not something that can be taught or drilled into someone. We can teach things of faith, and teach about faith, but faith itself is not a commodity or discipline, it is a GIFT. This is not an easy concept to understand or like when your grown children decide they don’t want to live the Catholic faith they were raised in. I learned this first-hand…and it’s still not easy to accept. I think we need to treat all those who are struggling with their faith like Peter did, like Jesus Himself did. We need to present what we believe, the reason why we believe it and them let them be from Missouri. We should pray for them, let them check up on it themselves by experiencing life and. by witnessing God’s Goodness. We need to pray for and allow the movement and the workings of the Holy Spirit take care of the rest. Let the mystery of our own acceptance of the gift resonate within us and allow them that same freedom. It’s a lot easier for everyone concerned, and a lot more peaceful. Peace and All Good, my friends!