Propagating the Good in Others

By Fr Williams Onyilo CSSp

To propagate means to make something widely known—to spread it abroad. Every day, we encounter new ideas, make discoveries, and experience changes in our world. These developments are often shared so that others may either embrace them or refrain from them.

In today’s first reading, we witness a profound “discovery”: that the name of Jesus Christ has the power to heal the sick. The apostles boldly proclaimed this truth and made it known to all. However, when the rulers, elders, and scribes heard of it, they attempted to suppress it, warning the apostles not to speak again in the name of Jesus. Yet, the apostles refused to be silenced.

In the Gospel, Mary Magdalene encountered the risen Lord and went forth to announce the good news. However, some of the disciples doubted her testimony, momentarily hindering the spread of the message of the Resurrection. Despite this resistance, the truth could not be contained. Those who continued to proclaim Christ were not discouraged. As a result, the message endured, and today, we too have come to know and experience the goodness of Jesus Christ.

Dear brothers and sisters, this calls us to a vital responsibility: to promote the good we see in others. In a world often quick to highlight faults and failures, we are invited to recognize, affirm, and spread goodness wherever it is found. When we propagate what is good, we contribute to building a better, more hopeful world.

May we never be afraid to speak of the good works of God and the goodness in one another, through Christ our Lord. Amen.