Jesus told Saints Philip and James, and all His disciples, "I solemnly assure you, the man who has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these" (Jn 14:12). Jesus spoke these words from the upper room in Jerusalem. His own works were limited to the geographical area of Israel and some short forays into nearby Gentile territory. The apostles who heard these words took the message of Jesus into the Middle East, and parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. In a geographical sense, the apostles certainly did greater works than Jesus.

This is not a minor point. We still have some four billion souls on planet Earth who have not surrendered their lives to the Lord Jesus. We have a role to play in God's plan to evangelize the world (Heb 11:40). The voice of Jesus will resound through our efforts to spread the Good News to those in our circle of influence (Ps 19:5). Beyond doubt, God intends for us to be a major agent of His grace for our spouse, children, parents, and siblings. For other people, such as neighbors and co-workers, we might be a less important agent of His love, but our role is nonetheless an important one.

Thanks to the apostles and faithful Christians in our lives, we have heard the Word of God. Let us embrace the evangelistic role God has entrusted to us. "Go out now and take your place" and spread the Good News of Jesus (Acts 5:20).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 31, 2011

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