To the Ends of the Earth: Witness – Week 4, Day 3 – Sharing the Gospel is a Beautiful Thing

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as was his custom, on the sabbath day. And he stood up to read; and there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written,

 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind,

to set at liberty those who are oppressed,

to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Luke 4:14–21

This passage from Luke describes a glorious moment in salvation history. Jesus reveals to his hearers that all their longings have now been fulfilled in him. The Messiah is now standing before them. His hearers, however, reject the message and miss the beauty and significance of what is happening. Yet the power of his message remains.

Jesus then went back on the road and took his message of salvation to others who would accept it. Ultimately, he took his message all the way to the cross.

Sharing the Gospel is beautiful, not because it is easy, but because in doing so we discover the powerful and perfect love of Jesus Christ. Those of us who commit ourselves to the cause of Christ will experience peace, prosperity, and joy — but not necessarily in the ways the world dictates. Sharing the Gospel is beautiful because we are sharing the life of Jesus Christ, our ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment. As Catholic men, we must be joyful couriers who convey the message of transformation that life with Jesus brings.

Questions for reflection

What trials, rejections, or struggles have you faced because of your faith?

What beauty and joy has God brought to you through your sufferings?

What is the most beautiful thing you have experienced in sharing Christ’s life with others?

Praying with Scripture

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” (Is 52:7)

You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE

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