Proclaim the Good News

 

 

Matthew 9: 35-10: 1, 5a, 6-8

The Harvest is Plenty, the Laborers are Few

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’ Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.

We all share in the mission to proclaim the Good News, especially these days when priests and pastors are growing fewer and fewer. It is also an age when organized religion is being snubbed and churches are closing. What has happened in the last 50-60 years?  We see the results of sheep without a shepherd, and where information and "preaching" are found on the internet. The "gospel" of pleasure, materialism, and selfishness is more instantly gratifying than the Gospel of Jesus.  Yet, which will endure?  You've got it.

Advent is a time to reflect on and renew our commitment to the Gospel of Jesus.  He's telling us to live it,and proclaim it by word and deed. Let's JUST DO IT!

Bro. Rene