When we think of healing, we often think of a hospital, doctor's office, or even a church. However, the primary location for Jesus' amazing healing ministry was the market place. In fact, the primary location for Jesus' whole ministry was the market place. Jesus preached and taught in the market place. Therefore, healing would also be in the market place, because it accompanied the proclamation of the word (Mk 16:20).
The market place in Jesus' times was not just where you buy something, but it was the center of social life. Jesus' market place was business, family, and entertainment all rolled into one. Therefore, if we focus our ministry on the market place as Jesus did, we will bring prayer into our homes and businesses. We will use the mass media for evangelization, and witness for Jesus especially on the job. We may see more healing services at work than at church. Our houses will be houses of prayer (see Is 56:7) and will even be Christian communities. The mass media will be saturated with the gospel.
As Jesus did, we must go to the market place with the gospel.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I never be ashamed of the gospel (Rm 1:16), but proclaim it from the housetops (Mt 10:27). |
| PROMISE: | "Then God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." –Gn 1:3 |
| PRAISE: | A popular fast food chain has a crucifix prominently displayed in one of its locations. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College