Fifth Week of Pentecost / Ordinary Time
2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 17-21 NRSV
For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore, all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.
So, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new. All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake [God] made [Christ] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in [Christ] we might become the righteousness of God.
We praise you, Lord Jesus Christ, for your works of creation and reconciliation.
In your wisdom you created the heavens and the earth and all that is contained in them.
In your great mercy you create new life in everyone who believes in you and trusts in your sacrificial death on the cross. Your love for humanity led you to the cross, to die the death we deserved so that we might have a new life that only you could give.
You are the great reconciler, bringing us back to God by taking our sin on yourself and giving us your right-standing before the Father.
So now, how do we respond to such love and grace?
Help us, Lord Jesus, to follow your selfless example, living obediently for you and sacrificially for others.
Help us, Lord Jesus, to be faithful and effective ambassadors for you; useful instruments for you to use to bring many into your Kingdom of mercy and grace, of forgiveness and reconciliation, and of hope and life.
May our lives show great gratitude and bring you great praise.
Amen.
