What does it mean to be a Christian? Are we only Christians in name, or do we consider being a Christian to be more than just a title? In the past, there have been people who became Christians because it was beneficial or advantageous for them to do so. For example, in some places, a person who became a Christian could get better education or a better position or status. It was “fashionable” as some may say, to be a Christian. But is Christianity merely a tool or a convenience for some of us to use and take advantage of?
As Christians, Jesus has commissioned us to go forth and proclaim the Good News. This is not merely a request, but a command, an order, a duty. We should not be shy or timid in fulfilling our duty, as St. Paul in today’s reading reminds us: “That is why I am reminding you now to fan into a flame the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you. God’s gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power, and love, and self-control. So you are never to be ashamed of witnessing to the Lord, or ashamed of me for being his prisoner; but with me, bear the hardships for the sake of the Good News, relying on the power of God who has saved us and called us to be holy.” Moreover, today’s Gospel reminds us about the urgency and importance in preaching the Good News. The Gospel tells us: “Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you.”
The question we need to ask ourselves is this: are we all fired up, full of energy and gusto to go forth and preach the Good News? Or have we become complacent and fearful of ruffling feathers or rocking the boat? Do we not value our faith and consider it so exciting and so important that it must be shared with others, or do we think that only certain people such as clergy and religious are meant to preach the Good News? No! All of us are called, chosen and sent forth, not just a select few. We may not be able to go everywhere to preach the Good News, but we can do so with conviction within our family, our friends, and even our community. Let us not slacken or become “domesticated” in our faith, but fulfil our destiny in bringing Jesus’ message to all.