In the first reading and the Gospel yesterday, the theme of competition came up.

In the first reading, Joshua is jealous on Moses' behalf that others are prophesying. In turn, Moses responds that he wishes everyone would be blessed with prophesy.

Likewise, John "tattles" to Jesus on someone who is successfully driving out demons in His name.

And what does Jesus reply? "Whoever is not against us is for us."

The same is true for you.

You know that church or school down the road from you?

You know, the one that has bigger collections than you?

More parishioners and students?

Updated facilities?

Better parking?

Always seems to get more visits from the bishop?

It's not a competition — but those diocesan meetings sure can feel like it.

But I want you to really hear me — it's not a competition. If a soul gets closer to Jesus, then who cares who is the one to bring them closer?

Because let's be real, the evil one KNOWS the good work you both do.

And the best way to foil that good work? Pit you against each other by sowing seeds of jealousy, envy, and competition.

But what if there was another way?

What if you BOTH offered really valuable — but different — opportunities to draw closer to Christ?

That's one of the immense beauties of our faith, is that there are so many different ways that we can become closer to the Lord.

Think about your closest "competitor" (I prefer to call them fellow evangelists ☺️). What do they have that you don't have?

Let's say for example that the neighboring church has a really dynamic young priest, diverse congregation, and lots of adult small groups. Awesome!

Now, figure out what YOU have that they don't have. Maybe you have a perpetual Adoration chapel, nighttime confessions, and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Great!

Now, I want you to go to your communications — your website, your Google search presence, your social media pages, all of it — are you communicating those things prominently?

Because here's the thing: You all offer Mass and confessions. You all teach kids in the faith and offer sacraments. You're probably all "a community growing closer to Christ together" or some variation of it in your mission statement.

So you have to ask the question: What is that people come to you for that's different than everyone else?

Then, promote that!

It's not just for marketing — it's because we truly care about bringing souls to Christ.

And yes, even though we always want bigger numbers, our ultimate goal is getting people to heaven, and we want to make sure we attract the people who we are particularly and uniquely able to assist on that journey through what makes us different.

Because on the outset, yeah having a bunch of small groups seems like a great way to attract large numbers of new followers of Christ.

But for some, that Perpetual Adoration Chapel is exactly what they need at 3 am when the Lord moves in their lives in a dramatic way.

You've been called to serve THAT person.

And the people who will grow closer to Christ through something we don't have, but a neighboring parish does? We want to grow in humility and service to send them to our "fellow evangelists" who can serve them better than we can.

It's not about competition — it's about serving the people God has particularly called you to serve.

And hey, maybe even reach out to see where you can collaborate with one another? Are they excelling at their bulletin layout? Is their website really clear? What about their social media or emails?

This requires some humility, but maybe reach out to them and ask if they'd share with you how they do it, and offer to do the same for them in something you're really doing well with.

Because you're not against each other. You have the same mission. And if you go two by two, the work of Christ's mission gets so much easier.

For His greater glory,

Emily

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