Today’s readings have a common theme weaved through them. It is how God treats those who believe in him and how he expects his believers to be bold and share his truth with others.

In the First reading, Saul is converted from being an unbeliever who went on a murderous spree of Christians to a believer with such conviction that he begins to fearlessly preach in the name of Jesus and boldly proclaim the word of God despite threats to his life. His ministry resulted in many nations living a God-fearing life, enjoying a time of peace and strength, encouraged by the Holy Spirit.

The Responsorial Psalm speaks of a similar theme of praising God in the great assembly of those who fear God. It speaks of nations who turn to the Lord and bow down before him and future generations who will learn of his glory. God uses us to bless others and share his word with others in a bold way and in return, he blesses us with peace and abundance. He expects us to be courageous and fearless like Paul, who preached to the masses and even debated with the Hellenistic Jews who wanted him dead.

In the Gospel proclamation, it says that those who believe in God will not be condemned but those who do not are already condemned because they do not believe in Jesus. So, is it not our duty as Christians to do everything we can to bring our sisters and brothers to Christ? God does not need us to do this for him, but he wants us to do it. He is waiting for us to bring nations to him and share our story so that others will see his glory and bow down before him.

Jesus came to the earth to be our light and he says in John 3:21, that whoever lives by the truth comes into the light. Therefore we must strive to bring those in the dark to the light by leading through example and speaking the truth of God to our brothers and sisters who do not know him or do not know him well enough.

Let us ask the Father for the courage to boldly speak of his goodness. We know that he expects more of us who believe in him, and he has plans to work in his children through us.

Let us pray that he gives us the faith and fearlessness we need to reach out to the ends of the earth so everyone we meet will see, remember, and turn to God.

PRAYER: Abba Father, may my life be a witness of your goodness. Amen.