Like the disciples of old, we are sent out in the power of the Sprit, bearing the love of God and the witness of Jesus Christ to the world.
As Jesus tells the disciples, “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning” (Jn 15:26–27). We go out as a voice and presence of blessing in the local community. This means being physically present in service and can also mean be present through public liturgical actions.
Jesus entered into the rhythms of the community around him by attending weddings, parties, home, and other events. Each time, He brought a witness of the Father’s redeeming love to the people and called them to follow Him. He attends the synagogue and reads from the scroll:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)
Then He fulfills that promise among the people. Following His pattern and trusting His Spirit, we go out as witnesses to the love of God in Word and deed. We go out into the world as lovers who have encountered the depths and heights and breadths of love revealed in Jesus Christ.
Blessing image by Andrea Leganza (used by permission via Creative Commons).