Reflect today on your duty to share the gospel with others

He appointed Twelve, whom he also called Apostles, to be with him and sent them to preach and to have authority to cast out demons. Mark 3: 14-15

The twelve apostles were first called by Jesus and then sent to preach with authority. The authority they received was for the purpose of casting out demons. But how did they do it? Interestingly, the authority they had received over the demons was, in part, associated with their assignment to preach. And although there are some instances recorded in the Scriptures of the Apostles casting out demons directly by command, it should also be understood that preaching the gospel with the authority of Christ has a direct effect of casting out demons.

Demons are fallen angels. But even in their fallen state, they retain the natural powers they have, such as the power of influence and suggestion. They try to communicate with us to deceive us and distance us from Christ. The good angels, of course, also exercise this same natural power for our good. Our guardian angels, for example, are constantly trying to communicate the truths of God and His grace to us. The angelic battle for good and evil is real and as Christians we need to be aware of this reality.

One of the best ways to deal with Satan and his demons is to hear the Truth and proclaim it with the authority of Christ. Although the Apostles had been given special authority for their preaching, every Christian, by virtue of their Baptism and Confirmation, has the task of proclaiming the message of the Gospel in various ways. And with this authority, we must constantly strive to bring forth the Kingdom of God. This will have a direct impact on the diminution of the kingdom of satan.

Reflect today on your duty to share the gospel with others. Sometimes this is done by explicitly sharing the message of Jesus Christ, and other times the message is shared more by our actions and virtues. But every Christian is entrusted with this mission and must learn to fulfill that mission with true authority, knowing that as the authority of Christ is exercised, the Kingdom of God increases and the activity of the evil one is overcome.

My almighty Lord, I thank you for the grace you have given me to proclaim the truth of your saving message to those I meet every day. Help me fulfill my mission of preaching in both words and deeds and to do so with the gentle yet powerful authority You have given me from You. I offer myself to Your service, dear Lord. Do with me as you like. Jesus I believe in you.