Why must we share the good news of the Risen Lord with others? Well simply apart from it being commanded by Jesus our Lord to go make disciples of all nations; if our Lord Jesus has touched Your heart as He has mine and filled it with His love, peace and joy. Then it is not only our duty but because His love had transformed us in such a wonderful way that we want to share it with the rest of the world. This conviction is what filled the hearts of the early disciples that they preached the good news boldly. And they did not do so alone for it is written that the Lord helped them, and a great number believed and were converted to the Lord.How truly wonderful is the news of God’s love for us. That through our faith and believe in our Lord Jesus Christ we have hope of eternal life with Him and God our Father; who wills that not a single one of us is lost. Tender, loving and merciful is God our Father towards us all His children. Amen
First reading
Acts 11:19-26 ·
They started preaching to the Greeks, proclaiming the Lord JesusThose who had escaped during the persecution that happened because of Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, but they usually proclaimed the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, who came from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch where they started preaching to the Greeks, proclaiming the Good News of the Lord Jesus to them as well. The Lord helped them, and a great number believed and were converted to the Lord.
The church in Jerusalem heard about this and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. There he could see for himself that God had given grace, and this pleased him, and he urged them all to remain faithful to the Lord with heartfelt devotion; for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. And a large number of people were won over to the Lord.
Barnabas then left for Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. As things turned out they were to live together in that church a whole year, instructing a large number of people. It was at Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians.’
Gospel
John 10:22-30
The Father and I are oneIt was the time when the feast of Dedication was being celebrated in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the Temple walking up and down in the Portico of Solomon. The Jews gathered round him and said, ‘How much longer are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.’ Jesus replied:‘I have told you, but you do not believe.
The works I do in my Father’s name are my witness; but you do not believe, because you are no sheep of mine.
The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.
I give them eternal life; they will never be lost and no one will ever steal them from me.
The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone, and no one can steal from the Father. The Father and I are one.’
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