Waiting for Christ in Lent
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SHARING THE REAL PRESENCE
IN THIS NEWSLETTER
"Waiting for Christ in Lent" by Griffin Rain
Upcoming Events
Recurring Evangelization
Missionary Support Fund
Waiting for Christ in Lent
By Griffin Rain
Jesus started giving up small things at 8 days old at the Presentation in the Temple (Luke 2:21-40) and would give everything at the cross. How do we begin again this practice of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving recommended to us in Lent, starting small and growing into a total gift of our lives?
Earlier in February, we celebrated the Feast of the Presentation, and I would like to connect some thoughts on that with both the work of evangelization and the beginning of Lent.
Every person is like Simeon in some way, who is waiting to see the Lord in the temple before he would see death (Luke 2:26). We may ask, what is each person looking for? Like Simeon, they are longing for salvation. Who can save us from the trials and sorrows of this life? Many have given up and do not have the faith of Simeon, but they are clearly looking for salvation elsewhere. When Jesus is brought to Simeon in the temple, Simeon says:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace,
according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)
While many may not acknowledge Jesus as the one to bring salvation, it is no doubt that Jesus is the only one who can bring true salvation. Jesus is the fulfillment of all desire and theirs too, but they may not be as receptive as Simeon, who would not see death until he had seen the Lord's Christ. This is true for all people, as "God wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4) He gives all people what is needed to see the Christ and acknowledge him in their lifetime. The fact that he does will it, and yet some people may not be saved, shows that God gives us free will to choose him. The only other reason that someone would not have this opportunity is because we as baptized Catholics have rejected our call to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). The work of evangelization is the work of every baptized person in some way. This evangelization, inspired by the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, is often meeting people where they are, seeing the ways in which they are looking for fulfillment, and then proclaiming Christ there in a credible way. He comes to meet them where they are looking for him, but he often comes not to meet them in a vision or cloud, but in you, the Catholic, who takes the time to listen to them and share your faith with them.
It’s often said that one drop of the blood of Christ would be enough to save the world. At the Feast of the Presentation, not only did Jesus give his first drop of blood as he was circumcised, but he was also given his name, "Jesus" ("God saves"). It begins there, but he goes much further. At 8 days old everything we needed for salvation was shown to Simeon, yet Christ went much further, as we see as he goes to the cross to die for our sins. I think we see that we could always go further. We do not yet have perfect love.
For many people, Lent is often a time of strong starts and weak finishes. How often we might start with something like daily cold showers and end with lukewarm showers a few times a week. We think we are going to give up far more than we actually do and practice asceticism beyond what we can handle. We do this often thinking we are strong enough, but that is not what it is about. We are weak and it is not about our strength. This is about emptying ourselves so we may be filled with God.
Let this Lent be a time that shows God’s strength in our weakness. Let us begin in a humble way and become more fervent through Lent as we are renewed in our practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It is good to do something big, but true asceticism is best practiced in a way in which we are able to be consistent and grow more generous in our practice.
For more on asceticism, check out a YouTube video of a talk I recently gave on the subject.
Well, my brothers, when shall we begin to do good? - St. Philip Neri
UPCOMING EVENTS
*TODAY * Ash Wednesday Evangelization - We need your help! From 9am-5:30pm today on Ash Wednesday, we will be evangelizing in the streets by asking people with ashes on their foreheads if they plan to go to confession this Lent. You are welcome to join us at any time during the day. Last year we gave out about 80 Examinations of Conscience to people, most of whom did not have plans to go to confession during Lent despite going to Mass and being told to “repent and believe in the gospel.” We will have a stationary group in front of Gesu Parish at 1145 W Wisconsin Ave. and a group walking around downtown with the cross. We will end with attending the Gesu Parish fish fry after their 5:30 pm Mass.
Food for Thought - Our friends from Food For Thought in Madison will be joining us to make hot meals and bag lunches for homeless people and to go out to the streets to give them away and have conversations. Join us on Saturday, February 21st at 12:30pm. Sign up using the form at the bottom of this link. Meet at 2126 W Michigan St.
Lunch in the Park - We will be serving food at King Park (1531 W Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI 53205) on Saturday, February 28th from 10:40 am to 1:00 pm. Volunteers are needed on two teams - Kitchen team and Evangelization team. Please contact us if you can make it at (414) 235-7307. We begin at the Street Disciple House at 10:40 am and leave to arrive at King Park around 11 am. Sign up using the form at the bottom of this link.
Missionary Associates Dinner - The monthly Missionary Associates Dinner typically occurs on the 4th Sunday of the month, and is for everyone who volunteers with the Missionaries or is interested in volunteering/supporting our work. We hope that this continues building up the community around the Missionaries, getting to know others and energizing more people to start working for the salvation of souls here in Milwaukee.
This occurs at the St. Brigid Center (2133 W Wisconsin Ave) (formerly the Irish Cultural Heritage Center). Join us for the Missionary Associates Dinner at these upcoming dates:
Sunday, February 22nd
Sunday, March 22nd
Sunday, April 26th
The schedule for the night is as follows:
5pm: Sunday Mass
After Mass: Short talk from Griffin with discussion
~6:45pm: Dinner and socializing
Please reach out if you would like to help with anything related to the Mass, hospitality, set up/takedown, or food prep. God bless you!
Here is a map of where to park and enter at the St. Brigid Center (*note that it is located directly behind the Street Disciple House) --
Men's Discipleship Night - Join us for the Men's Discipleship Night on Friday nights at the St. Brigid Center at 2133 W Wisconsin Ave (parking available at 2222 W Michigan St - see map above). This event happens every Friday unless announced otherwise. It is an open house style, so come when you can. You do not need to be there for the entire night, but are invited for as much of the night as you would like. Feel free to invite friends!
See the schedule & speakers for upcoming nights here. The schedule is as follows:
5pm - Doors open
5:30-6:30pm - Dinner
6:30pm - Evening Prayer & silent prayer
7pm - Formation (see upcoming formation topics here)
8:15-10pm - Social/games/etc.
9:30pm - We will conclude with Night Prayer
Discernment Group - We are hosting a men's Discernment Group that meets every other week on Saturday evenings. We are currently reading Priestly Fatherhood: Treasure in Earthen Vessels by Fr. Jacques Philippe. If you would like to be part of this group, please contact Griffin at 414-235-7307.
Summer Mission - We have a new program for college students and others who will be off for the summer. Why spend your summer flipping patties for minimum wage when you could be turning souls toward God for heavenly wage? What to expect:
Life in Community - You will live alongside fellow Catholic men, committing to a rhythm of shared life, recreation, and deep accountability.
Developing Prayer Life - Pray together with housemates daily and receive formation in the spiritual life.
Growth in Freedom - True freedom comes not from doing what you want, but wanting what God wants. Receive formation in conquering the spiritual vices that hold you back and growing in the capacity to hear and obey God’s will.
Direct Evangelization - Share the Catholic faith with those outside of the Church in direct apostolic work, both through street evangelization and other direct forms of evangelism.
For more information or to apply, visit streetdisciple.org/summer.
Text Updates - If you would like to be added to our text blasts about upcoming events, please text “start” to 414-667-6777 or fill out this form to indicate what you would like to receive texts about: https://forms.gle/iDBdyox6vGePCzmz9
Recurring Evangelization
(Call or text 414-235-7307 to help, or sign up using the form at the bottom of this link)
Every Friday: Take Up Your Cross - Every Friday starting at 9am we will be taking the cross out to the streets to evangelize, starting at Gesu Church at 1145 W Wisconsin Ave. We will walk downtown, stop for lunch at the Open Door Cafe at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, and continue evangelizing until late afternoon, with some breaks for prayer. (If weather is poor, we will take the cross to the city busses and can get you a bus pass)
Bible Study - Join us for weekly Bible Studies for seekers. We currently run Bible Studies every week for those who are looking into the Christian faith. Where do you see many people who gather and want to study God's word? Maybe you could lead one.
Current Weekly Bible Studies
Tuesday 1:30 pm @ Repairers of the Breach
Wednesday 2:00 pm @ Central Milwaukee Public Library
Thursday 12:30 pm @ Cathedral of St John the Evangelist following Open Door Cafe
Saturday 4:00 pm @ Matt Talbot Recovery Service
Missionary Support Fund
(click here for more information)
More men could be full-time missionaries with your help! We have a number of men who live in our house that desire to serve as full-time missionaries, but have monthly expenses that keep them from being fully committed.
Currently two of our missionaries are working jobs while living in the house and participating in missionary work as able. With your donations to this fund, these men could become full-time missionaries working in the great harvest of souls. The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. Please help those who desire to labor in the Lord's harvest but are unable to because of financial restrictions.
To make this work for them and other potential missionaries, we would like to fundraise $5000 /month of recurring donations.
This will be dispersed to men in the house to help them pay expenses that they would otherwise need to work a secular job to pay. Some common things include student loans, medical bills, car payments, other debts, and stipends for personal expenses.
The best way to donate is online here or you may send checks with memo: Missionary Support to the following address:
Missionaries of the Real Presence
2126 W Michigan St.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Join A GROUP CHAT
Want to get involved in the work of evangelization? Join one of our GroupeMe chats for evangelization and formation groups.
Marquette Catholic Evangelization group chat - Click Here
Milwaukee Catholic Street Evangelization group chat - Click Here
Men's Discipleship Night group chat - Click Here
Men's Vocation Discernment Group - Click Here
about the missionaries of the real presence
The Missionaries of the Real Presence aims to assist in the apostolic renewal of the Church by intentionally discipling men living in community and encouraging missionary vocations in the Church. We participate in Christ’s evangelizing work for the salvation of souls, especially seeking out those who have been spiritually neglected. We introduce people to Jesus through intentional conversation, preaching, teaching, and prayer. We engage in direct evangelization in the public forum on city streets, public transit, and in homes, and share the good news of Christ with those we meet. All of this flows from a life of prayer and union with Jesus as our source.
Support the Mission, Join the mission
Please keep us in your prayers!
If you appreciate the work we are doing, consider supporting our mission financially here.
Volunteer with us in street ministry and house visits by clicking here.
If reading about some of our stories inspires you, come and see what life as a Missionary is like and visit us for a day or longer for prayer and ministry as you discern here.
If you want to learn how we evangelize, consider watching videos on our YouTube Channel, Missionaries of the Real Presence.
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