May the Lord give you peace and health in the Holy Spirit.
It is 01st September 2021.
We reflect on Colossians 1:1-8 and the Gospel of Luke 4:38-44.
Without being reconciled to God and putting on a new self, it is difficult to evangelize. Every Christian is carrying the responsibility of preaching and teaching by word and deed. It is through the Church; we have the mandate to preach to all people. “All Christians are called to this witness, and in this way, they can be real evangelizers.” (Evangelii Nuntiandi,no.21).
Some of us come to know Christ by evangelization; most of us believe in the Lord through love and charity. It through the loving hearts of people towards the marginalized section of our communities brought many people near Christ and the Church.
A lot of people come to accept Christ in the hope of being with Him in Heaven. “You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you.” (Col.1:5).
The Gospel wishes to convince us that our health and healing is not done to us because we are meritorious so that we are at the beck and call of society. Healing is not an outcome of preaching, but it is the prerequisite for any vibrant preaching.
When it comes to evangelization, at times, we are satisfied with what we have done so far and enter complacency. During this period of Corona, the Churches have opened for the people to worship, yet we are dragging our feet just because we have a Livestream in our home. Going to church is the witness we all need to do whatever it takes. Yes, there is a risk and challenge involved in entering a church full of people. But we need to be the witness today by being in the Church, with the community and at the family. No one can boast that they have done their part. “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.” (Lk.4:43)
Having accomplished evangelizing our families, communities, small-Christian communities, we need to spread our wings of love, prayer, and compassion far and wide. Whether we are recognized, appreciated, and acknowledge, we need to do our part consistently to please God and spread the love of the Mother Church.
May we truly become witnesses to the Gospel. God bless you.