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In the context of the times, today's readings focus on how the Gospel is for Jew and Gentile alike. Peter experiences the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Gentile who hear and embrace the good news. Jesus says that he has other sheep that do not belong to this fold, presumably the fold of Israel, yet there are other sheep that He will bring into the one flock.
We are all God's children and we need to remember that the Gospel is for everyone.
But how trite this truth has become. This isn't just another feel-good Christian adage about acceptance and unconditional love. How overused and misunderstood this idea is. Love isn't smiling and sitting by as the people around you do whatever makes them feel good, but I digress.
Yes we are all God's children and yes we need to remember that the Gospel is for everyone. But what does that mean practically? What does that mean for you?
The Gospel is for everyone. Your neighbors, your loved ones, your coworkers, the person standing less than 6 feet from you HyVee. Jesus came that we might have abundant life, but abundant life is only available through Him. I really hope that you've said yes to His invitation to you, but what about the people around you? Have they acknowledged that they are a beloved son or daughter of a Father that is ridiculously in love with them? Have they really heard the great story of Jesus, or do they have misconceptions about what Christianity is all about?
Please God, you'll one day get to enjoy eternal bliss with our Creator, but what about the people around you? I heard a story once where a man had a vision of heaven. He then had a vision of his loved ones suffering in Hell. They called out to him and said, "You knew? You knew about this and you didn't tell us? Why didn't you tell us?"
Spreading the Gospel, not just by our actions but by explicitly saying the name of Jesus and speaking of His life, death, and resurrection, is non-negotiable. True love is to draw your brothers and sisters into the arms of Christ. It can be awkward. You might get judged or rejected, but this lifetime is the blink of an eye compared to eternity. We suffer with Christ that we may be glorified with Him (Romans 8:17). So don't be afraid to tell the story.
God made you for an intimate relationship with Him, but because of our sin we are separated from Him. Yet His love was so great that He sent His only Son to become one of us. He shared life with us so that He would know our joys and sorrows. Ultimately He was tortured and killed to redeem us from our sins. In His glorious Resurrection, He offered His pierced hand to us to lift us from our sin and to welcome us back to where we belong, in the arms of our Heavenly Father.
Share the good news with those around you. Jesus has entrusted you with this mission.
-Amanda Nobis, Director of Evangelization