The first reading today offers us a powerful lesson about the challenges we face—not only in the world around us, but even within our own Catholic community. Each time the angel of the Lord speaks words of encouragement to Gideon, Gideon responds with doubts and objections.
“‘The Lord is with you’… and Gideon answers, ‘If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened?’”
“‘Go with the strength you have and save Israel’… and Gideon responds, ‘How can I save Israel? My family is the lowliest, and I am the most insignificant.’”
In the same way, the Lord calls our parishes of Our Lady of Fall River Catholic Community to serve more than 23,000 people. Yet, only about 3% attend Sunday Mass. The mission before us can feel overwhelming. Our goal must be nothing less than 100%—that every soul entrusted to us would know Christ and worship Him in the Eucharist.
It is easy to respond like Gideon: “But people don’t want to hear the Gospel.” “How can I bring them back? Our parish is too small, too poor.”
But what does the Lord say? “For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” And again: “I am with you.”
Jesus Himself entered the world in poverty and obscurity, yet through Him salvation came. He now calls us to be His instruments today. We are not the ones who solve the problems or convert hearts. Our task is to be His presence—His hands, His voice—in the midst of Fall River. If the Gospel seems to bear little fruit, perhaps it is because we have not yet fully embraced the call to live as His disciples.
Let us go forth with the confidence that Christ is with us, and through Him, the impossible becomes possible.
Living in Love with God 
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