Tell others of the Glory of God

"As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, 'Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.'” Mk 5:18-19

The miracles of Jesus, no matter how spectacular, are not meant to amaze people or attract them to himself, but to announce the reign of God. Jesus' purpose in coming among us in human form was to let all know that God wants to set us free from our sins, our faults and our burdens. The cure of the demoniac, who was able to break chains before Jesus' intercession, was both a sign of Jesus' power and an message to everyone who witnessed it. Go home, Jesus tells the man who was possessed by a legion of demons, and tell your family of God's mercy and tenderness. He tells us to do the same.

Every time God touches us, moves us, encourages us, there is a dual purpose. We are changed by God's love, not for ourselves, but as a sign for others. Transformed and lifted up, we must avoid simply enjoying our new freedom and delight. We must go among those who do not know the saving power of Jesus and tell them by the quality of our faith life what they too can expect if they submit themselves to God's care and mercy. Every gift, Jesus reminds us, is to be given away in the same way we have received it. (Lk 12:48)

Today, offer someone a consoling word, and do it freely, expecting nothing in return.

How has the faith of others touched and moved you?