Listen

When he came, he announced the good news of peace to you who were far away from God and to those who were near. We both have access to the Father through Christ by the one Spirit. So now you are no longer strangers and aliens. Rather, you are fellow citizens with God’s people, and you belong to God’s household.

Ephesians 2:17-19

Think

Many times we find it hard to trust that someone who comes into our life is coming to bring good news. We have become so accustomed to receiving bad news that it is hard to believe there is anything good yet to be heard. Perhaps you have received bad news in your family, school, community, or church. However, God sent Jesus to remind us that even in our difficulties, God brings us hope. A hope that is for everyone without exclusion of people, near or far, God’s love and compassion extends to reach us in the depths of our lives.

God’s compassion has been so great that we have ceased to be strangers and have become a family in Christ. As a family we have the responsibility to take care of each other: to care for those whom we love because they are close to us, and to care for those who in their distant places become one with us in the love and grace of God.

Bryan Vélez Garcia

Questions to Ponder:

How does Jesus remind us that God always has good news for us?

Pray

Jesus, in you I find hope and peace in the midst of the darkness of the world. Strengthen my faith to care for those near and far. May I be an instrument of your peace and reconciliation.

Amen.

Go

Live like an instrument of God’s compassion.