Preach the Gospel at all times

Readings for Wednesday January 13, 2010

First Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 40
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39


Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee. (Mk 1:35-39)

How many people go through life without ever realizing their purpose? How many people just go through the motions each day without ever finding out why they are here and what it is they are supposed to do. Such a hopeless life seems to have captured many people throughout time as well as in our world today. It is such a shame that so many people do not realize that they can find hope and meaning in Christ.

God has a plan for us, and that plan for each of us is specific to each individual. But there are some things in His plan for us that we all share. One of those things is that we are each called to preach the good news and share the hope found in Christ with this world. Now, that does not mean that we all enter into religious life or become missionaries, but it does mean that we should have the courage to go out and share Jesus in this world. There are many different ways in which we can share the good news. The most obvious one is through just talking and sharing what Christ means to us; and of course we should also learn about our faith so that we are more knowledgeable in our sharing. I also think that our actions and the things that we do are a great way to share the faith. Saint Francis of Assisi said it best when he said, "Preach the gospel at all times ... If necessary, use words." There are many different ways for us to share the hope and meaning that is found in Christ, with God's help we can discover how it is that we are to do that. Let the Holy Spirit reveal to you what it is that you can do in this world to help share God.

Even though there are a great deal of people who live lives without meaning and purpose, does not mean that they have to keep living that way. If we are willing to trust God and have the courage to share the good news to all those we come into contact with, then that is when we will truly find meaning and live out our purpose in this life.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord give us the faith and courage to go out and share yo in this world. Lord, you hold nothing back from us, may we not hold anything back from you. We pray for all of our priests and religious, that they may be strengthened in their ministries and in their vows. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.