Gospel is not a doctrine but a testimony of life
The Lord Jesus sends the disciples without a purse, without a supply of bread, and without a change of clothes, only armed with power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases. He sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick (cf. Lk 9:1-2)
In this way they were to testify positively that it is not by their own power, nor by their wisdom that the kingdom of God is extended, but by the power of Grace given from above. This experience was to prepare them for the dramatic Easter events and the hardships to come. At his departure, Jesus left the disciples a different command regarding the proclamation of the Gospel. It will not focus on healings and expelling evil spirits, but on the Person of Jesus Christ: you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (cf. Acts 1:8)
As all the healings and miracles performed by the Lord Jesus were first of all a testimony of the truthfulness of his message, so then the very Person of Jesus and the Gospel became important: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age. (cf. Mt 28-19-20)
Gospel is not a doctrine but a testimony of life. Gospel really speaks. The gospel is a message about life, not some academic philosophy. If it is true, it shows in the life of the preacher. If this is not seen, it turns out that the preached Word is not based on personal experience and is a kind of lie. Today it is becoming more and more obvious to people. This, too, is perhaps the reason for the gradual abandonment of the church.
What about when people reject us, our preaching. We work hard, but they ignore it, they don't care that we try, we sacrifice, we put our hearts into proclaiming God's Glory. Jesus prepares us for these situations: And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them! (cf. Lk 9:5). It is normal that there will be negative attitudes towards us, that here and there someone slams the door in our face. Literally or figuratively. But we are not to break down or get discouraged or give up but shake the dust off our feet. And say to yourself: Jesus, I announce your victory in this situation and move on.
So, then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere. (cf. Lk 9:6) What lesson is there for us? Let us not stay at home any longer, let us not say: Maybe letter or let someone else do it, but let us come out of our tight shells immediately and proclaim the Good News - everywhere. Not in selected, safe, well-known places, but everywhere. Wherever the Holy Spirit will lead us.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george