You Can’t Keep the Gospel Down

Try as anyone might, the Gospel of Jesus Christ will never be limited, nor will it be subdued. Throughout the centuries many have tried and failed to keep the Gospel of Christ down. Every time the Gospel shines for all to see the glory of God.

Timothy, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hardworking farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel, the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal. But the word of God is not fettered. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory.

2^nd Timothy 2.1-10

In today’s reading from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy, we hear clearly our comfort. “The word of God is not fettered.” It cannot remain silent. The problem with this comfort is we are the ones who try to silence the Gospel.

Every time we choose to remain silent among our friends, we hide the Gospel. I’m not talking about corner preachers here. I’m talking about how we act and speak with our friends and family. We should remember Saint Paul always began his mission preaching to family.

His first sermons were always among the Jews in the city. It wasn’t until the Jews rejected Christ that Saint Paul moved on to the Gentiles. He was punished for his preaching, but his preaching saved the world. He was among the greatest evangelists of history.

What’s the lesson for us? Our message of love and the Gospel must always begin with our family and friends. As our society grows ever more antagonistic to Christ, it will be more important for us to avoid danger.

Saint Paul also said, “No soldier on service gets tangled in civilian pursuits.” It is not our job to convert the world. Our job is “to satisfy the one who enlisted him.” The One Who enlisted us is Christ, not society.

When we openly live our faith among our family and friends, and maybe some close coworkers, the Gospel will spread like fire to the souls and lives of those around us. The world will always try to subdue the Gospel, for the ‘sake of the elect’ our witness will glorify God.