FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
OUR THEME FOR 2020
(Part 31)
QUESTIONING GOD
January 25, 2020
Today’s readings:
Acts 22:3-16
Psalm 117:1-2
Mark 16:15-18
We are a people that are founded on the Rock that is Christ. Once we were no people, living in darkness, even opposing God, but now we are living in the light of Christ. This was the case as well with Paul. He persecuted the Way to death (Acts 22:4a). On one such foray to arrest Christians, Jesus intervened in his life. Paul asked two questions, the answers to which are key to being founded on Christ.
First, “Who are you, sir?” (Acts 22:8a). We need to know who Jesus is. He is not a distant God, but one who is with us, who is intimately connected to the daily circumstances of our lives, who is our friend, who provides us grace to live our lives according to his ways, who is committed to help us make it to heaven. He is Savior and Lord. No one else can help us fulfill God’s design for our lives. In short, we need to meet and know Christ.
Second, “What shall I do, sir?” (Acts 22:10a). Ananias told Paul, “The God of our ancestors designated you to know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the sound of his voice; for you will be his witness before all to what you have seen and heard.” (Acts 22:14-15). This is God’s intent for us as well. We need to know that we are called to live out God’s will, to serve Him, and to be His instruments to witness to the world about His love, mercy and salvation. In short, we are to live and share Christ.
This is what God intends for His people to do. Jesus said to the apostles, those who are sent, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (Mk 16:15). Such work of evangelization is to be rapid, massive and worldwide, aimed to reach everyone, going to the very ends of the earth. If we truly know who Jesus is, and if we become obedient to his command, then many will be reached, and “whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16a).
Then shall all the nations of the earth know Christ, and experience his love and salvation. “Praise the Lord, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples! His mercy for us is strong; the faithfulness of the Lord is forever. Hallelujah!” (Ps 117:1-2).
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