A few years ago, some Christian friends in our parish were studying a book entitled Divine Renovation by Father James Mallon about parish renewal.  The book was about bringing Catholic parishes from “maintenance to mission.”  Its purpose was to bring renewal to a person’s life by encouraging a personal encounter with Jesus Christ and a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, thereby bringing renewal to the parish.   

When I first heard what they were doing, I didn’t respond initially to get involved.  One of the tools they were using was the Alpha program, a series of high impact videos followed by small group discussion.  The videos deal with life’s biggest questions such as Is There More to Life than this? Why Did Jesus Die? What Does the Holy Spirit Do? How Can I Resist Evil? How Can I Make the Most of the Rest of My Life?  It runs for eleven weeks plus a Saturday retreat about the Holy Spirit. 

While I was initially reluctant, I attended the first Alpha program and saw that it was indeed leading people to the renewal of their faith.

There is the Old Testament story of Naaman, who was the commander of the Army of the King of Aram and who had leprosy.  A young girl from Israel in his household told his wife about the prophet, Elisha who could heal Naaman of his leprosy.  Naaman traveled to Israel, expecting Elisha to say a fancy prayer over him with lots of ritual, but Elisha sent a messenger instructing him to go wash himself seven times in the Jordan River.  Naaman grew angry and went off in a rage, rejecting the opportunity to be healed.  His servants persuaded him to reconsider.  He did as Elisha instructed, and he was healed of his leprosy.  (1 Kings 5:1-14)

How often do we not recognize opportunities that God puts in our lives to bring about his presence more fully in us and in others?  After attending the first Alpha course, I joined the team, and we have been conducting Alpha courses for the last five years.  Hundreds of parishioners have attended.  Many have reported experiencing Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in a way that has deepened their faith.    

Is God offering you an opportunity to grow closer to him, or to bring his presence to others?