Today's first reading is important to every one of us because as Christians we are called to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world. Through this reading St. Paul teaches us how to do that effectively.

"Proclaim the message and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it." Our proclamation of the Gospel will be fruitful when we speak it with courage and perseverance. However, we can insist on it only when we ourselves are convinced that God's word is true and has power to save our soul. Our courage and perseverance in proclaiming the Good News must be rooted in our own strong faith.

"Refute falsehood, correct error, call to obedience - but do all with patience and with the intention of teaching." God has spoken His word to us that we may examine our life, change our heart, repent and be forgiven. God's word is the word of salvation and not condemnation.

"Make the preaching of the Good News your life's work, in thoroughgoing service." God reveals Himself to us through His word that we may know Him and love Him with our whole heart, soul, mind and will. Proclamation of the Gospel requires generous and humble heart that we may not spare ourselves until all know our Lord and God.