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Psalm Reflection: The Sixth Sunday of Easter - Cycle C

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Psalm Reflection: The Sixth Sunday of Easter - Cycle C

“O God, let all the nations praise you!” - Psalm 67

I am just one person. What can I do to make a difference?

Have you ever felt that way? When we hear talk of nations and the whole world, everything can seem much bigger than the actions of a single person.

When we hear the words of the Psalmist this week, we should not be overwhelmed, nor should be feel like we are repeating something passively. We must recognize that this is our rallying cry! This is our goal!

The goal of every single disciple of Jesus is to go out to the nations and make disciples.

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age. - Matthew 28:29-20

We are each an integral part of this mission. We do not need to pack a suitcase or travel the world to do it. The people we encounter every day and the places we go are our “nations.” Our families, friendships, workplaces, schools, and communities are our mission fields. God placed us in each of them for a reason. You are exactly where God wants and needs you in order for you to help carry out this mission. 

Jesus was one man. Perfect, yes, but also human. He completely changed the world and the course of all human history. Despite all that He did, there were only about 120 disciples gathering after Jesus’ death (Acts 1:15). That is not a lot. How did we get from 120 people to 2 billion Christians in the world today? The power of the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles and awakened gifts within them to evangelize, heal, drive our demons, teach, and lead (Acts 2:43). The same Holy Spirit pours the same gifts upon us in the Sacraments. 

The mission is not over. 2 billion Christians is a lot of people, but it is not the whole world. We are tasked with carrying on the work of Jesus, emboldened by the Holy Spirit, to help every single person on planet Earth know the Gospel message: that Jesus frees us from sin and death through His death and Resurrection. 

Who in your life still needs to hear that message?

Who in your life needs to know that God loves them, no matter what they have done?

Who in your life needs to be reminded of their God-give value, dignity and worth?

You are the prophet who is being called to speak truth to them. Go and proclaim it, so that one day every nation on earth will praise the Lord.

The actions of one, though they may seem small, can change the world when they are animated by the Holy Spirit.

Invite the Holy Spirit into your conversations this week and do not be afraid to stand up for your faith. Your role is not small or insignificant. Only you can fill it, and your “yes” can and will change the world.

I am praying for you, please pray for me, and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt

MANNA is a ministry creating blogs and podcasts to encourage and inspire others to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ and live out their Catholic faith.