You are the highest honor of our race. — Judith 15:9

Mass Readings: Zechariah 2:14-17 or Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6,10 / Luke 1:26-38 or 1:39-47 

‘Making’ Converts 

As an Evangelical, I felt a tremendous sense of responsibility to “make converts.” Then I became a Catholic. I still feel responsible to bear witness to the Faith, but (thanks be to God) I now know that I not only don’t have to, but can’t “make converts.” That’s the Holy Spirit’s job, not ours. You and I will never change a single person’s heart about Jesus. We’re not God. All we can do is tell the truth and be faithful. Bringing people to saving faith is the work of the Spirit. 

You can see that with Our Lady of Guadalupe. There was no ingenious strategy for “making converts” but millions in the Americas became believers after she appeared to St. Juan Diego, a good and honest man, who was open to the Spirit. 

Prayer: Our Lady of Guadalupe, help us bear witness to Jesus Christ.