MONDAY, October 10

Matthew 10:5-15. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Evangelism is frustrating. Proclaiming the gospel is not only difficult work, but it often seems like a colossal waste of our precious time and energy. It has always been that way but is even more so in these days of sound-bites and 140-character Tweets, when no one seems to want to listen to anything that can’t be dispatched quickly, simply, and easily.

As evangelists—as Christians—we proclaim that “the kingdom of heaven has come near.” People wonder what in the world we are talking about, and when we try to explain it to them, they have neither the time nor the desire to listen. Trying to find ears ready and willing to hear often feels like trying to find a needle in a haystack. But they are there.

Every time we renew our baptismal promises, we assert that we will, with God’s help, “proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.” God gives us that help, the grace and strength we need to hang in there. It will not be easy. It was not easy for Jesus or his disciples. But proclaim we must.

PRAY for the Diocese of Sydney (New South Wales, Australia)

Ps 1, 2, 3 * 4, 7; Jeremiah 36:11-26; 1 Corinthians 13:(1-3)4-13

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Let's Proclaim God's Word!

Oct 10, 2011 at 6:18 am

Written by emeline,

Yes, it seesm as if what we try to say to people falls on deaf ears. All we need to do is make it our resolve not to be deterred by stubborn hearts and wills. Perseverance is the key to our success in spreading God's Word, His love and goodness. No matter the cirmcumstances, amidst the crowd, there are some who will eventually listen and act. The Christian walk is a growth process. So let us continue to "walk the walk and talk the talk' in Jesus' precious Name!

...

Oct 10, 2011 at 6:46 am

Written by Bonnie,

Let our lives preach the Gospel. People will listen.

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” St. Frances

...

Oct 10, 2011 at 7:17 am

Written by ambassadors,

Jesus was and is the living Gospel. He is the way, truth and life. Jesus did not stand on street corners proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Jesus went out among the people and he served, healed, taught, disciplined, directed and most of all loved! We are mere ambassadors; simple but powerful with the Holy Spirit!

Lead by Example

Oct 10, 2011 at 9:16 am

Written by Marco of San Francisco,

All during my study as a church organist I learned best from those
teachers who were church organists. My "preaching the Gospels" is
trying to live by the Gospels and to lead others by being an example.

I support what Bonnie attributes to Saint Francis,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

...

Oct 10, 2011 at 10:21 am

Written by Mary Summers Hearn,

Witnessing to others - we might never know the effect of our witness, whether by our words by our lives, others water the seeds we plant.

Ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit

Oct 10, 2011 at 7:50 pm

Written by Rick,

When witnessing, I try to always ask God for the Holy Spirit to guide me in all I say and do. I can't do it by myself.

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