Thirty-First Friday in Ordinary Time

In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast in what pertains to God. For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to lead the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum I have finished preaching the Gospel of Christ. Thus I aspire to proclaim the Gospel not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on another’s foundation, but as it is written: Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand.

It might be difficult to believe, but there are many in this world that do not know Jesus Christ. They have no personal or communal relationship with Him. He exists outside their frame of reference. They might have heard about him, but they do not know him or what he truly stands for. So many children are not being taught what it means to be Christian. So many are told they do not need him in their lives. So many are denied him by parents who have neglected to bring him into their children’s lives. It can be saddening to think that the only exposure many have with Jesus is as a historical figure, who lived and died in Israel. What a loss for such people! We should look at this lack and be driven to do something about it... to proclaim the Gospels and show others what it means to be faithful, hopeful, and loving Christians. That way those around us will have a chance to see and understand our God, who is Good and worth knowing.

What does pertain to God in our lives? What have we done to accomplish His Will in our lives? How are we spreading the Good News and the knowledge of Christ to all those who are around us?

O Lord, spread your Word and accomplish your Will through us.

Amen.