May 11, 2023

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

Imagine walking through a prison and having the authority to shout out, “Hey, Everyone! Whatever you’ve done, it’s all completely forgiven!” Or going into the struggling classes of a high school and saying, “Guess what? Everybody gets an A!” Or going into debtor’s prison (do they exist anymore?) and saying, “Everybody out! Your debts have all been paid!”

Well, don’t be afraid of the word “evangelism”. Because that is what it is. That is the “message of reconciliation.”

“Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Fifth Sunday of Easter – BCP)