CITY LIGHTS

“He who hears you, hears Me. He who rejects you, rejects Me. And he who rejects Me, rejects Him Who sent me.” –Luke 10:16

Every Christian is called to be a missionary, that is, to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to an unbelieving world. Some missionaries travel around the world, but most stay in one particular city. If we’re called to stay in one city, our task is to bring the kingdom of God to that city.

One day Jesus looked out over the city of Jerusalem and began to mourn and lament. “How often have I wanted to gather your children together as a mother bird collects her young under her wings, and you refused Me!” (Lk 13:34)

Take a good look at the spiritual condition of your city. Let God break your heart for the people in bondage to sins of pride, greed, sensuality, alcoholism, and drugs. How often Jesus has wanted to gather them to Himself and they refused Him! “But how shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? And how can they believe unless they have heard of Him? And how can they hear unless there is someone to preach?” (Rm 10:14)

Jesus tells you: “You are the light of the world” (Mt 5:14). You are also the light of your city! The Lord has prepared this city for you (see Heb 11:16). Accept Jesus’ call to go out into the “byroads” of your city and invite everyone you meet to come to the Lord (Mt 22:9).

PRAYER: Lord, have mercy on my city. Use me to bring Your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven (Mt 6:10).
PROMISE: “Where can I go from Your Spirit? From Your presence where can I flee? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I sink to the nether world, You are present there.” –Ps 139:7-8
PRAISE: Bl. Francis risked his life ministering to the sick in works of charity and evangelization. As a result of his loving outreach, he eventually contracted yellow fever and died. “There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:13).