From today’s Scripture: “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”—1 Pt 2:9

Could the universal call to mission be any clearer than here in First Peter? At Holy Family Church in Blakely, Georgia, there are about 50 families that are registered members. The congregation includes people from India, Vietnam, Guam, Philippines, Kenya, Mexico, and the United States. These are the priestly people, the holy nation, the chosen race called by God to announce Jesus as the Light of the World to those in darkness. The darkness of racism, sexism, nationalism, and classism must be challenged by the unity and diversity of the Body of Christ. God’s people are not defined by national boundaries, but by the spiritual reality of our baptism and universal experience of God’s love and mercy. The baptized in every nation creates the Holy Nation of God!

Let us pray: Lord, give me the courage to proclaim Christ everyday in every place.   May I demonstrate the love and mercy of Christ to everyone, so all may belong to God’s holy and chosen people.

Today’s author is Father Steve Pawelk, second vice president and director of Glenmary’s novitiate program.

Free delivery!  Sign up to receive this in English or in Spanish daily by email.