In the last chapter of Matthew's gospel, Jesus tells the disciples to go. They are not to go home; rather they are sent into the world to preach and teach.

The mission statement of our denomination the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) puts it this way: "Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered, and sent for the sake of the world."

We are sent. Jesus sent his disciples out with "good news" into a "bad news" world. He does the same with us.

In a sermon a couple of years ago the presiding bishop of the ELCA, Mark Hanson, summarized polling data on the messages people like to receive. The top three things we like to hear are: (1) I love you; (2) I forgive you; and (3) Come and have something to eat.

The good news we have to the world? (1) God loves us; (2) God forgives us; and (3) God invites us to the table.

As the first disciples knew, it is in delivering this good news that our joy becomes complete (I John 1). This news is too good to keep to ourselves.