New Christmas Hymns - Lowly Shepherds
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But how are men to call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? And how can men preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!”
Romans 10:14–15
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
Mark 16:15–16
Some Christians seem to focus solely on converting the lost. The truth is, we are called to make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all that God commands (see Mt 28:19–20). Our call as Catholic men is not simply to help save souls, but to walk with brothers and sisters along the way of salvation. It is a glorious thing to see someone turn from their sin and believe in the Gospel. It is even more glorious to continue the journey with another, moment to moment along the narrow path to heaven’s shining shores.
The path to heaven can seem like a lonely walk, but not if we are willing to enter into the day-to-day experiences of others and share the teachings of our faith and the grace that empowers us to become citizens of the kingdom. We are to lead others to the table and the confessional, to help them grow in the knowledge of Christ, and to leave their mark upon the Church and the world along with us. As we are willing to go where the lost reside, so can the Gospel go forth into the world to rescue sinners and lead them home.
Questions for reflection
What is the difference between making converts and making disciples?
What has been one of your most memorable moments in walking with others for Christ?
How has the Church supported you in word and sacrament over the years?
Praying with Scripture
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE
Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
