Our mission given to us by Jesus in this life is simple, follow him and proclaim his words. Simple, but not easy. Proclaiming the words of Jesus comes with risk.
While the risk to the disciples in Jesus’ time were their very lives, the risk to us now is a little different. We risk being questioned, rejected, confronted, and even having our character and reputation criticized by those who are opposed to the words of Jesus. This can cause the loss of relationships, separation from people we know and other hardships.
This risk can result in fear. Fear of the pain from confrontation, rejection, loss and personal criticism can make us afraid to proclaim the loving message of Jesus. We don’t want to make waves, we stay silent. Out of fear, we avoid our mission.
In Matthew’s gospel (Mat. 10: 26-33), Jesus tells us that because of the father’s love for us, we have no need to fear. In Jesus time, sparrows were the cheapest thing you could buy at the market. To the people of the time, they were just about worthless. Yet the father pays attention to and knows when each and every one of them falls to the ground. So, how much more attention and care will he lavish upon us his beloved son or daughter who he cherishes, as we carry out our mission to speak his message of love?
We need not be silenced by fear but instead empowered by the love of Jesus and motivated by our love for the person God sends to us. Love is the only proper motivation for our mission. We don’t do this because it makes us feel better or for some sense of accomplishment, worth or control. We do this only because we want what’s best for someone.
Our task is simple but not easy, follow Jesus and proclaim His words. Under his protective and loving gaze, we can do this. We must do this. Someone you love is waiting for you to do this. So go into the world with the joy of the gospel message in your mind, the love of Jesus in your heart, his words on your lips, to confidently share his love through your actions and words.