Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 8, 1-3

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another,
preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.
Accompanying him were the Twelve
and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities,
Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza,
Susanna, and many others
who provided for them out of their resources.

Jesus journeyed from one village to another

1) Towns. As a Church, we can’t keep circling the sacristy, just as you can’t keep getting stuck in the same daily routine. We have to learn to step outside ourselves and realize that not everything needs to fit inside our own little box. God is always inviting us to go farther. Life’s hardships can make us build walls and shut ourselves off from the world, but that’s exactly why we need to step out. Often, we discover who we are by encountering others.

2) Good News. We’re called to share good news. Knowing that Jesus gave His life for us and is still with us changes the way we see everything. Receive God’s message as real good news for your life, not as something meant to condemn you. Encountering the risen Jesus reminds us that we’ve often focused more on the rules of the Ten Commandments than on the grace of the Beatitudes. Maybe we’ve also spent too much time emphasizing divine judgment and hell, instead of sharing the Good News and the path to heaven.

3) Mary Magdalene. One beautiful thing about the people Jesus brings into our lives is that they’re often the ones society has already judged or labeled. You don’t have to be polished, flawless, perfectly put together, or full of the right words to come close to Jesus. He meets you exactly as you are. What matters is showing up with your messiness and your wounds so God Himself can fill you. He reminds us that we’re all broken, hurting people coming to the Master for comfort and encouragement.

Never forget that something good is on the way!

God bless you, be with you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.