So go (1)

Sunday January 30, 2022

So go (1)

Go then, make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:19

Go out into the whole world to proclaim the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15

It was necessary that... repentance and forgiveness of sins be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses to all of this. Luke 24:46-48

Jesus said to them again : Peace be with you ! Just as the Father sent me, so I see sends. John 20:21

The risen Lord Jesus appears to the disciples repeatedly for forty days. What he says to them on these occasions is not entirely reported to us, but the mission he entrusts to them (Go...) is found in each Gospel. It is even repeated in Acts 1:8. Do not think that this injunction concerns only the eleven disciples, this word is addressed to all of us.

Go then... You are witnesses. Does this really concern me ? But where to go ? What is my program ? And then, I am not able... What answer does the Lord give me ? Go where you live !

In my neighborhood, where I am known and where I am seen to live every day, that is really where I must begin to bear witness of Christ. The Lord asked a man he had just healed : Go to your house, to your people, and tell them all that the Lord has done for you, how he has had mercy on you (Mark 5:19).

Someone will say that it is too difficult for him, because he will be subject to criticism from those around him. Perhaps he remembers that he once argued with a neighbor and that the words exchanged were not in a spirit of grace. Indeed, our words, to be credible, imply that we are blameless and pure, blameless children of God, in the midst of an astray and perverted generation, among whom you shine as luminaries in the world (Philippians 2:15). Let us therefore take particular care of our conduct : our neighbors have a good memory and a very high ideal of Christian conduct.

Mission, like all Christian service, begins in one's family, in one's neighborhood, even in one's church, eventually expanding further (see also 1 Timothy 3:13).

Come on, let's be faithful in the little things (at home) and the Lord can entrust us with bigger things.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)