Preaching in the Synagogues

Gospel Refection: Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon.
Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever,
and they interceded with him about her.
He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her.
She got up immediately and waited on them.

At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases
brought them to him.
He laid his hands on each of them and cured them.
And demons also came out from many, shouting, “You are the Son of God.”
But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak
because they knew that he was the Christ.

At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place.
The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him,
they tried to prevent him from leaving them.
But he said to them, “To the other towns also
I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God,
because for this purpose I have been sent.”
And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

~Luke 4:38-44

This past Sunday (well past a couple of Sundays), my parish priest called us out! He began his series of Homilies speaking on the Eucharist. Our diocese had just completed its 18th annual Eucharistic Congress. As Catholics, we know the Eucharist, where Christ is truly present, is the center of our faith. Digressing just a little, we also know were are called to proclaim the Gospel!

Putting two and two together Brothers and Sisters we are called to spread the Good News of the Eucharist! Just like in the Gospel reading today Christ said to the crowds, “I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God.” Therefore, when I say my parish priest called us parishioners out, he said just this. “When the conclusion on the mass is said, Ite missa est, Missa from mittere, to send. At the end of every mass, you are SENT out into the world to proclaim the Good News.” To teach others about the faith you believe in and the eternity it offers.

Today I want to remind you to be like Christ and proclaim the Good News of His coming. Especially His true presence in the Eucharist.

Let us praise the Lord this day and always my brothers and sisters in Christ!