Whether it is in the violent inner cities or poverty-stricken rural areas, people are willing to gather to hear the story of Jesus, his love and faithfulness in their lives. During the recent months of July, August, and September, I have been privileged to share the living Word of God in various locations and environments. In each setting I have found an amazing response on the part of the people. Giving two weeks of missions, one in English and one in Spanish, in the parking lot of an inner-city parish in Austin, TX, allowed families to gather in an informal, fiesta style. Shadow people actively participate even though they may be sitting in their own patio or listening from their window.
Children freely play nearby, allowing the parents to fully participate.
A lively music group and a portable speaker are essential elements. In preparation for the two weeks of parking-lot missions, homilies were given at the five weekend Eucharists, including a Mariachi Mass with standing room only. I received a delightful surprise when the people gave me spontaneous applause after my homily in Spanish at that Mass. In a small park in the hill country of central Texas, more than 100 Mexican people of all ages gathered for several hours to share their spicy potluck dishes, sing, listen to the Word of God, and break open the meaning of Scripture for one another. Since most of them were employed in a local granite pit or as maids and janitors, they understood the Gospel from the perspective of the hard-working poor.