The Holy Apostles Silas and Silvanus and those with them.
2 Corinthians 1:1-7; Matthew 21:43-46.
Read 2 Corinthians 1:1-7
Have you ever noticed the beauty of the blessings St Paul often writes in most of his letters? Read today’s reading as one of those blessings as understood through the eyes of the author of the following article which is mostly quoted in its entirety: Let us Greet as Christians Again: Rediscovering the Language of Faith in Everyday Life.
In today’s increasingly secular world, everyday language has gradually lost its Christian identity. Expressions like “God bless you” or “Go with God” were once common but are now rarely heard in public spaces. Instead, greetings have become neutral, stripped of any reference to faith. But what if we rediscovered the spiritual power of our words? What if we started greeting and parting ways as Christians once more?
This article is an invitation to bring faith back into our daily speech so that our words reflect the greatest truth of our existence: that we are children of God and members of Christ’s Church.
In the past, Christian greetings were deeply woven into everyday life. For centuries, it was common to hear expressions such as: “The peace of Christ be with you.” “God bless you.” “Go with God.” “May the Lord protect you.” “Goodbye” (originally “God be with you”). These greetings were not just formalities but reminders of God’s presence in every human encounter. They expressed faith, extended sincere blessings, and served as a way to witness to Christ in daily life.
However, with the rise of secularism and the fading awareness of the sacred, this language has nearly disappeared. Greeting “as a Christian” is now uncommon—but perhaps more needed than ever.
Scripture reminds us of the importance of our words: “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45). If our faith is real, it should be reflected in the way we speak. So why do we limit Christian expressions to moments of prayer or church gatherings? Why hesitate to say “God bless you” at work or among friends?
Evangelization doesn’t always happen through long theological discussions. Sometimes, the simplest expressions—spoken with sincerity—can be the most powerful testimony of God’s presence. Restoring Christian greetings isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a real way to bring God into our daily interactions.
This author then describes ways of reintegrating Christian greetings through regularly using traditional Christian expressions; allowing that to be a Christian witness through these words in work and social settings; teach your children to use them so they become natural and normal; and using the word “good bye” intentionally, which meant “God be with you.”
He continues through a call to be bold and to trust God: In some environments, mentioning God in a greeting might cause surprise or even discomfort. But Christ calls us to be the light of the world: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). If we allow fear to silence us, we contribute to a culture that is increasingly void of faith. But if we courageously and lovingly return to greeting as Christians, we plant seeds of evangelization in every conversation. This isn’t about imposing but about proposing. Not about being fanatical but being authentic. A simple Christian greeting, spoken with sincerity and joy, can touch more hearts than we realize.
Here’s a challenge: the next time you greet someone or say goodbye, include God in your words. A simple “God bless you” might make someone’s day. A sincerely spoken “Goodbye” (remembering its meaning) can be a small but meaningful act of faith.
Let’s reclaim the beauty of Christian language in everyday life. Let’s greet as Christians again. Because what we say reflects what we believe—and what we believe is the Truth that gives us life.