Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel

It is interesting that when the risen Jesus told the disciples to preach the gospel to the whole world, he did not specify exactly what the “gospel” was.   Neither did he tell them how they were to proclaim it.

Of course, the apostles knew what the essential gospel message was – they had heard Jesus announce it for three whole years!  Perhaps Jesus did not give them a specific formula because he knew that the gospel is far bigger than any one set of words.  Because the gospel touches every person in a different way, the one concise paragraph will never suffice to capture all of its grandeur.

So where does that leave us?  How do we, who have never walked with Jesus, proclaim the gospel?

A good way to start is by following Mary Magdalene’s example.  Tradition calls her the apostle to the apostles and the first evangelist because she was the first person to announce Jesus’ resurrection.  But notice how she did it, she simple spoke about what she had experienced, “I have seen the Lord”.  These five short words were joyful enough and powerful enough to catch the apostles’ attention and cut through their sadness.

Like Mary Magdalene, you do not need special credentials or training.  You just have to share with others what is so “good” about the good news.  Tell them, perhaps, how much of a relief it was when you discovered that all your sins have been forgiven and that you belong to Christ.  Or tell them about how you feel God’s presence when you are at Mass and how his presence comforts and encourages you.  Just tell them, “This is what I heard.  This is what it felt like.  This is what God did for me.”

Do not worry if you feel uncomfortable talking like this at first.  You do not even have to say a word.  let your joy, your peace, or your hope speak for you.  If you are trying your best to follow Jesus, your witness alone can make a huge difference.  That is not too hard, is it?