Gordon Dingham lives down the hill from me on Maryland Street. When he retired 10 years ago, he needed a project. Since he enjoyed outdoor work and his wife informed him that their small yard was her domain, he stepped across the street to Golfmoor. Gordon had a plan to create a park. After making a call to the Evansville Parks Department and procuring permission to plant the first 5 of his now 19 crimson red maples, his dream began.
Since that time, Gordon, with the help of the Westside Improvement Association and other groups and individuals who were inspired by his enthusiasm and perseverance, has planted over 30 trees; created beautiful berms complete with an eye-catching bubbler (run on solar energy); and given a previously lifeless urban corner curb appeal. Plans are in the works to have a bandstand ready by 2020 for summer concerts – and who knows what may follow that.
Why do I mention Gordon’s story? It is simple. Gordon exemplifies qualities of an effective disciple – a vision greater than himself, a zeal for promoting the vision, and the perseverance and discipline to see that vision to fruition.
We are called to be disciples for the Catholic Church. I was raised a Catholic and have always loved the Church. In spite of its multitude of flaws and scandals, which are due to the people who comprise the church and not the foundation set by Christ, I will always love the Catholic Church. It is home to me.
Matthew Kelley of Dynamic Catholic once wrote that people are quick to speak with enthusiasm about their latest favorite things: iPhones, cars or vacations to name a few. They eagerly share these pleasures with others. He then questioned why we are not as zealous about sharing our faith, our path to salvation. Where is our enthusiasm for the one true thing that promises eternal life, no batteries necessary?
For most of my life, I was a complacent Catholic. I attended church, helped at parish functions and said my perfunctory prayers. However, my faith often took a back seat to worldly concerns.
When my husband put a 5-foot creche in the front yard at Christmas, I felt it was overstated and was a bit embarrassed. When asked to put a pro-life sign along the road, I put it closer to the house. I admit it. I was more concerned about what neighbors or people driving by thought than I was about what our Catholic faith deemed important.
“Faith is about trust, journey, conversion and your relationship with Jesus.” That quote from The Message was discussing Catechetical Sunday, the Sunday devoted to those who willingly teach and share the Good News. We all know the first commandment: Love God above all else. My fear of what the neighbors or total strangers thought illuminates where God and my faith stood in my list of priorities. It took me a long time to recognize that fact, and even longer to admit it.
In his book, “Into His Likeness: Be Transformed as a Disciple of Christ,” Edward Sri examines what is required to be a disciple. No, he or she does not have to wear sack cloth, have long hair or stand on a street corner holding a sign proclaiming John 3:16. In fact, it is more the opposite.
According to his book (a recommended read), Sri says that a true disciple needs to think, see and act as Jesus Christ. He elaborates by explaining that we need to know the content of Jesus’ message, observe His teachings and then practice them on a daily basis.
Sri also says that to be Christ’s disciple, we must recognize our flaws and realize that only with God’s help can we change them. Then we must be “conformed to the image of Christ, living like Him and loving like Him.” That is a lifetime challenge.
As Christmas approaches, I reflected on the most enduring gift that I have ever received. Without a doubt, it was the gift of faith as modeled by my grandparents, parents and believers in my life. This new liturgical year, let us resolve to let our faith shine forth through our lives, and in doing so fulfill the words of Isaiah 52:7, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!” Have a blessed Christmas!