Good News of the Kingdom

Jesus tells the Apostles (and us) this week that our duty is “to go and spread the good news of the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:51-62). The “Great Commission” in Matthew’s gospel similarly commands us to “Make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Mt 28:19)

So how do we go about “spreading the Good News”?  Once when I was in the United States I saw a large procession of people parading up and down with signs full of threats and lightning bolts; hurling lines of scripture at unsuspecting citizens walking past. Telling them they are doomed unless they get with the demonstrators program. I’m pretty sure that’s not what Jesus is calling us to do. In fact I wonder if those placard holders have actually read scripture prayerfully at all or if they simply cherry-pick “gotcha” moments to damn everyone who isn’t them. Unfortunately one can find plenty of examples of Catholic “Christians” doing much the same.

Of course Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. But his delightfully simple message is about understanding our human condition, flawed as it is, and about the absolute and infinite love he holds for each of us, about leading us, like lambs, towards our ultimate salvation and about forgiveness no matter what. This is the mercy that Pope Francis talks about, which extends way beyond hurling accusations and harsh justice to loving forgiveness, even when we have been at our worst. Our mission is to understand Jesus’ message ourselves and then to let others see how we joyfully live our lives. 

Through quiet repentance and living lives of love rather than screaming threats, we truly will spread the Good News to the corners of the world.

Deacon Mark Kelly