“Proclaim the Word”

In this Sunday's second reading we hear St. Paul encourage Timothy to "Proclaim the word." While Timothy is a bishop, and so it would make sense for Paul to say this to him, we should also recognize it as an exhortation to us as well! In the mind of St. Paul, and indeed of Christ, being someone who proclaims the word of God is an essential part of being a disciple and follower of Jesus! It isn't just for clergy!

Often we can wave this off by saying, "Well, I proclaim the word by my actions." And that may be true and is a welcome part of the life of the Church. However, it is also vitally important that we, as God's people, are able to proclaim the Gospel with our words as well. St. Paul continues telling Timothy to "be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching." In this, it is clear that St. Paul does not necessarily expect success with proclaiming the word... but faithfully doing so, even in the midst of inconvenience and struggle, remains important. For, as the Gospel relays this Sunday, persistence does pay off.

So, let us pray this week that our hearts may be open to God's grace calling us to proclaim the Good News of Jesus with our lips as well as our lives. May we read the scriptures and Church teachings to inform us. May we seek out good teachers and preachers who can show us how to proclaim well. And let us pray that we may have courage, patience, and gentleness to proclaim the Gospel in imitation of the "meek and gentle" Jesus that we know and love.

Want to prepare your heart and mind for Mass this weekend? Click here to find the readings this Sunday's Mass.

Written by: Fr. Craig Irwin, OSFS - Associate Pastor