Easter Reflections: May 8, 2016 The Ascension of the Lord

. . . that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in my name to all the nations. (Luke 24:47)
“. . . to all the nations!” How these words must have struck the disciples with fear and concern! If we put ourselves in that time and place, we would likely say: “You’re kidding, of course. Not everyone believes in You! Not everyone in our nation believes in You so it is impossible to think about all nations! It doesn’t appear that You have a kingdom here to be part of!”
Perhaps it is a challenge today as well to think about preaching in His name to all nations. Maybe you do not feel like you have a call to be a missionary in another culture. Maybe you do feel the desire to evangelize far and wide but circumstances limit your options at this time.
In this time of globalization, it would be helpful to think how the call to preach to all the nations can happen quite locally, unlike any other time in our history. Who are those people who dress differently; who look different; and who eat food from a special market? Most likely they are from your neighborhood. Have they been welcomed? Do they have what they need?
After we find the “nations” in our neighborhoods then the question becomes what are the ways that we can “preach?” Rather than preaching with words, remember that actions speak louder than words.
-Sr. Charlene Herinckx, SSMO
This reflection comes from the Easter Reflections, prepared by the Precious Blood Family of communities:
Adorers of the Blood of Christ (US Region)
Missionaries of the Precious Blood (Atlantic, Cincinnati & Kansas City Provinces)
Sisters of the Most Precious Blood (O’Fallon, MO)
Sisters of the Precious Blood (Dayton, OH)
Sisters of Saint Mary of Oregon
Easter Reflections is available for printing here.