Go Into the Whole World

Go Into the Whole World

January 25, 2013

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle

By Melanie Rigney

On (Paul’s) journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:3-6)

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

Piety

In the time of David, some said he was a king/and if a child is true born, the Lord will hear him sing.  Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere/Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born. (“Go Tell It on the Mountain”)

Study

Once Paul got started, there was no stopping him. He talked about Jesus, wrote about Jesus, gave up his life for Jesus. That’s the way converts are sometimes (reverts too). They are so on fire for Christ, they can drive people a little crazy, even alienate the very folks whose hearts and minds they are seeking to change.

But when you get right down to it, isn’t that what Jesus called the Eleven to do in today’s Gospel? He didn’t say, “Show people solely by your actions what being one of my followers looks like.” He didn’t say, “Talk about me once or twice to your family and friends and acquaintances in need of me, and if they shut you down, move on to another topic.” He said: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” The whole world. Every creature. Proclaim.

Challenging words. Challenging actions.

It’s a good thing we’ve got the greatest Power of all in our hearts and souls as we attempt to meet that challenge.

Action

Consider visiting the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Web site to learn more about “the New Evangelization.” The Year of Faith runs until November 24. But why wait to figure out where you fit in, and how you might bring souls to the kingdom?