Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Paul on the Meaning of “Gospel”

October 9, 2016

Something I’ve found over the years is that people use the word “Gospel” to mean all sorts of different things. People say, “I’m committed to the Gospel.” “I want preach the Gospel.” “I want to live according to the Gospel.” But what precisely do people mean when they say these things? The word literally means “good news.” But what good news? We have a wonderful text for our first reading today from Paul’s second letter to his disciple and friend Timothy. One of the many things that makes it wonderful is that it contains a very pithy summation of what St. Paul meant by the word “Gospel.” When we unpack this summation, we hold the key to transforming the world.

Mass Readings

Reading 1 – 2 Kings 5:14-17
Psalm – Psalms 98:1-4
Reading 2 – 2 Timothy 2:8-13
Gospel – Luke 17:11-19