Today's Good News Reflection

One of the most important gifts that we've received from the Holy Spirit is the ability to encourage others, because it brings heaven to earth. How? Encouragement helps people avoid sin. That's why today's first reading instructs us to: Encourage one another every day, so that no one succumbs to the deceit of sin.

We are encouragers whenever we listen attentively to what others share and then affirm their goodness and remind them that God loves them. Our encouragement helps others go back into difficult situations with renewed courage and energy.

There's a difference between encouraging and admonishing. The first lifts up the spirits of others, the latter depresses them. Our carefully chosen words of encouragement about God's love for them being revealed in their trials can give people the strength to avoid succumbing to the idea that sinful choices are their best options.

An encourager does not try to save others from their problems, because that's the job of THE Savior. We help people get through their problems by pointing them to God's help. We are the vocal chords and the arms of Christ's body as he reaches out to heal those who are hurting. We are his ears as we listen between the words of what each person is saying. We are his hands as he gives them a gentle touch that says, "I care." We are his feet as he walks alongside them when we join them in their battles.

This is one of the greatest values of faith-sharing groups. Perhaps your parish has Small Christian Communities or Bible Sharing Groups. Participation in these makes a big difference in our faith growth and in our understanding of scripture while giving us the opportunity to be encouragers for others and to be encouraged. If you are not yet in such a community, please run -- don't walk -- to the nearest sign-up form!

When Jesus cured the leper in today's Gospel reading, the healed man shared his story freely and widely. His testimony was an encouragement to others, and he simply could not keep it to himself even though Jesus had asked him to. His enthusiasm was not sinful; Jesus was only trying to prevent an onslaught of miracle-seekers. Now that he's got all of us representing him here on earth, such an onslaught should not be a problem.

Your help is needed. I strongly encourage you to spread the Good News of Christ's healing love and comforting embrace to all those around you by being an encourager. You are gifted in this!

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Thank you for helping me spread the Good News!