From today’s Scripture: “I am grateful to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me trustworthy in appointing me to the ministry.” —1 Tim 1:12

The news reported about an incident northeast of the San Fernando Valley (California), about a man who moved into a cockroach-infested apartment. Wanting to rid himself of this problem, he decided to buy 12 cans of insecticide. As he closed all the windows and doors, strategically placing all 12 cans around his apartment, he released the insecticide into the air—leaving as quickly as he could. Later that day, the news reported that there was an explosion heard up to three miles away. Investigators attributed the explosion to the kitchen stove’s pilot light being left on. This explosion destroyed the man’s apartment, leaving neighboring apartments damaged—but one thing remained: cockroaches running all around on the apartment floor.

What is the connection between the story and my role as a lay evangelizer? It’s simple: bigger is not always better and a large explosion is not always effective. What is most effective is remembering the goal and accomplishing it with enduring patience, steadfast faith that God will call and equip me according to his purpose, and glorifying God in the ministry entrusted to me.

Let us pray: Lord, remind us always that our work is not about us but about you.

Today’s author is Linda Crisostomo, a lay evangelizer for Glenmary serving in Martin County, North Carolina.

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