You’re Invited

September 30, 2025 // Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Zechariah 8:20-23

Reflect on the Word //

“There’s a praise and worship night at the seminary on Saturday. Want to go?”

The lunchtime Bible study was wrapping up when an upperclassman invited me to the off-campus event. I had no idea what it was, but since I wanted friends in college who cared more about their faith than about boozy parties, I unhesitatingly said, “Yes.” 

Saturday arrived and a few of us drove together for an evening of Eucharistic Adoration with praise music. A casual reception afterwards allowed young adults from all over the diocese to continue in fellowship. My cup was filled that evening. I couldn’t wait to go back for more time with Jesus and more fellowship with young adults. I soon extended the invitation to others. 

The prophet Zechariah, in today’s First Reading, spoke of people who would one day reach out to neighbors, inviting them to seek and implore the favor of the Lord (see Zechariah 8:21). Sister, you and I are those people. Through Baptism, we are called to witness to the Lord’s love and mercy. We are equipped with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to invite others to seek the Lord with us. 

Perhaps the call to evangelize has caused you to shrink back a bit. It did for me. I imagined knocking on doors, standing on street corners with signs, or living in foreign countries to teach people about Jesus. Evangelizing can be like that, but it can also be simpler. Evangelizing begins where we are right now. Like Philip who invited his friend Nathanael—“Come and see” (see John 1:45-46)—our outreach can sound like:

“Want to join me for Mass and then grab coffee afterwards?”

“There’s a Bible study on campus I’m going to; would you like to join me?”

“I’ll be praying for you through this difficult time. Can I bring a meal over this week?”

“I’m having brunch at my house next week and would love it if you could come!”

We’re made for community and we’re made for the Lord, and He wants us to seek Him together.

Relate to the Lord // Where is the Lord calling you into community? How is the Lord calling you to Himself?

About Gina Fensterer

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Gina Fensterer is a wife of 20 years and mother of six children. She is passionate about finding God in the ordinary moments of her vocation. She loves Adoration, praying with Scripture, long morning walks, and fitness. She was a contributing author to And Hay Became Holy and our children's devotional prayer book called Rise Up. Read more by her here.