Psalm Reflection: The Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle C

“Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.” - Psalms 117

Every time I have the opportunity to go to confession with a priest I do not know, I jump at the opportunity. Why? Because it is easy. I do not need to acknowledge the feelings in me that get concerned about whether the priest will recognize me or judge me: the feelings attached to my own pride and reputation. I overcomplicate the process with my own preconceived notions or worries about what might happen, so I look for the easiest way possible to make it more comfortable.

I feel like we tend to do the same thing when it comes to the call to evangelize. The words of the Psalmist remind us of our baptismal call to “go out to all the world and tell the Good News,” and we try to find the easy way out. 

We might be tempted to only talk about our faith in environments where we know others agree with us or we will be well received. We can speak about the Gospel to strangers who we may never see again, but we do not utter a word to our family members and close friends who do not know the Lord. We find easy alternative ways to evangelize, instead of responding wholeheartedly to the call. 

We must be willing to share the Gospel with every single person we encounter. Does that mean we have to talk about Jesus in every conversation and at every opportunity? No, because we need to exercise prudence. We need to discern when the situation is right, but we cannot wait for that situation to naturally and comfortably arise on its own. We should be actively working toward these conversations through small, deliberate actions.

Speaking about our faith freely when asked.

Witnessing our faith by living lives of joy and peace.

Offering to pray for others when they are struggling, suffering, or sorrowful.

Building relationships and having a genuine curiosity about the lives of other people.

Earning the right to be heard by listening first.

Being willing to share the Gospel when prompted, even if we feel unworthy, imperfect, and unable.

It has been said if something is worth doing, it is worth doing badly.

This Sunday’s Responsorial Psalm is taken from Psalm 117, which is the shortest Psalm, spanning only two verses. In the same vein, when we share the Gospel with others, it does not need to be perfect, elaborate, or answer every question and objection a person could levy against us. 

Start simple. Make the deliberate choice every day to invite the Lord into your life and reveal to you opportunities where the Good News can be shared. Step out in faith and trust that the Holy Spirit will give you the words if you ask Him.

“Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.” - Luke 12:10-12

If you are baptized, sharing the Gospel is your responsibility. It is not reserved for priests and religious, or those who appear incredibly holy. It is a command for every single Christian, no matter how imperfect and unequipped we may be. Remember, God does not call those who are already equipped. Rather, He equips those that he calls.

Trust in Him, and speak the truth of who He is in every space you feel called to this week.

How does fear of judgment or rejection hold you back from sharing your faith with others? Are there specific situations where you have avoided speaking about the Gospel due to discomfort or pride?

In what ways can you actively prepare for opportunities to share your faith, rather than waiting for them to arise naturally?

Who in your life—family, friends, coworkers—might need to hear the Good News? How can you take small, deliberate steps to share your faith with them this week?

I am praying for you, please pray for me and my family, and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt

This reflection is based on the Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday, August 24th, 2025, the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle C: Psalms 117:1, 2.