Today’s Reading: Introit for the 19th Sunday after Trinity
(Psalm 78:1-3, 4b; antiphon: Psalm 35:3b; 34:17a, 6b; 48:14a)
Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 8:1-20; Matthew 10:24-42

We will tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done. (From the Introit for the 19th Sunday after Trinity)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Is the idea of evangelism frightening to you? Why? I don’t know many people who really love the idea of going around and telling strangers about Jesus. Are we even supposed to want to talk to random people about Jesus? Remember, don’t talk to strangers… unless it’s about Jesus? I don’t know many people who do this. I think we’re afraid of it.

Perhaps the reason why the broad brush approach to evangelism is so scary is because it seems impossible. Of course, it isn’t. The Gospel has been preached to the ends of the earth, which must have seemed absolutely insane to the apostles. How were they supposed to do that? Could they even have imagined that you and I would come to hear of the glorious deeds of the Lord, of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?

Maybe it wouldn’t be so scary if we focused and thought about the next generation instead of a bunch of people whom we don’t know. Fathers and mothers teach their children. Children learn and come to fear, love, and trust in the Lord above all things. Evangelism is accomplished primarily through your vocations. It may happen that someone you don’t know asks you to explain the hope that you demonstrate, but more often than not, you will be called to give witness to your friends and neighbors.

This is how many of us were brought to the faith. Fathers and mothers brought their sons and daughters to the waters of Baptism, to hear the Word, and receive the Sacrament. Friends and neighbors eventually are brought along, and the coming generations will all hear of the mighty works of the Lord. It has worked this way so far!

After all, you and I have heard of the wonders that the Lord has done and we will not be the last. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord God, You have called Your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that Your hand is leading us and Your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch