The persecution of the early community forced it to spread out and to preach the Good News not only to Jews, but to Greeks as well, and great numbers became Christians. In the same way, our lives need to expand the witnessing of the Good News so that it reaches everyone.
Jesus says, "I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved," and he lets in a lot of people who are not like us. Are there people that we would not let in?
God gave the prophet Isaiah "a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them." We need more of this gift today.
The prophet Isaiah tried and thought he failed, but then was promised that by God's hand he would become a light to the nations. God can use each of us in this task, not because of our greatness, but because of God's.
In the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-3,11-32) we learn of the absolute certainty of God's mercy for us. If you are in doubt, read this parable again.
