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We are all called to evangelise. In this article, originally published in the New Evangelisation newsletter, New Zealand (www.newevangelisation.wellington.net.nz), Sydney-based lay activist, Harvey Smith, outlines some thoughts for stirring us out of our complacency.
The call to evangelise...
We know from Vatican II that "the mission of the Church (the People of God) is the mission of Christ, which is to bring the message of salvation to all men". This pronouncement is clear to many of the 'converted'. But what about those who seldom read a Catholic paper or prefer to follow their own agenda in matters religious?
Without doubt among the greatest forces against following the many calls made by the Popes since Vatican II is complacency. We sin greatly by omission and fail to realise the morass we are immersed in by accepting a way of life which leaves little time for spiritual development. As Gaudium et Spes said, "… on the contrary, are they any less wide of the mark who think that religion consists in acts of worship alone and in discharge of certain moral obligations, and who imagine they can plunge themselves into earthly affairs in such a way as to imply that these are altogether divorced from religious life. This split between the faith that many profess and their daily lives deserves to be counted among the more serious errors of our age". (n.43)
Where Do We Go From Here?
We are called by the Church to play our part both inside and outside parochial boundaries. "Whoever they are, they are called upon, as living members, to expend all their energy for the growth of the Church and its continuous sanctification … Through their baptism and confirmation, all are commissioned … by the Lord Himself … Now, the laity are called in a special way to make the church present and operative in those places and circumstances where only through them can she become the salt of the earth. Thus every layman(person) ... is at the same time a witness and a living instrument of the Church itself, 'according to the measure of Christ's bestowal' (i.e. his talents)". (Lumen Gentium, n. 33) In other words each of us have been commissioned to be formed to spread the Kingdom.
As we become aware of our duties as baptised Christians the realisation that there is a vast field for us to work in and "each according to his talents" begins to take on a whole new meaning. All our different gifts can be turned to good advantage and developed in the service of the Lord. Perhaps we begin in a small way like saying, "Hello!" to a fellow parishioner we have never spoken to before. (We should not be afraid of a snub when doing God's work). We notice someone is thoughtful or sad and do something to cheer her up or just take time to listen. This offering of one's time and friendship is what building Christian community (Christ's body) is all about. This is what the first Christians were praised for, "See how they care for one another".
Awareness the First Step
Along with being concerned we find our 'awareness' becoming more acute. Yet it is no surprise to know that many move around with blinkers on. This may be an Irish or Anglo-Saxon trait but it is not very Christian. How can we be of help to people without being aware of their need? By training ourselves to become aware we prepare ourselves so that no opportunity slips by for us to be of service.
If true concern is our reason then the humbling knowledge that we are doing God's work should satisfy the most diffident. Otherwise apathy is the answer which will not do for Christ who said, "the lukewarm are only fit to be spat out". If all our attempts are imbued with charity (concern for the welfare of others – spiritual and temporal) we can be sure the Holy Spirit is at work.
Further Growth
The need to develop our talents now becomes necessary. Prayer plays a major part for seeking God's help when our efforts appear to get bogged down. While the sacraments give us strength to continue. As we grow we begin to realise that others need to develop so that they too may share in the joy of doing God's will.
The next stage presents problems for many. First, because of each one's inherent limitation and the need to develop their talent further. Second, because many think of spiritual development as something personal. This becomes a stumbling block when the need arises to help another to greater spiritual depth. Third, there are a few who will not admit that they need help to develop their talents further.
A great deal of this attitude comes from the Irish tradition that religion is a personal thing. But Vatican II opened our eyes when it said, "All men are called to be holy". In other words we cannot neglect our brothers/sisters in the process. We have responsibility for their spiritual growth as much as our own. "He who seeks to find life will lose it, while he who seeks to lose life shall find it" – tells us to be concerned about others. We have now approached a crisis point. We begin to realise that our further development depends very much on the development of others. Much reflection and prayer is called for. As we begin to look outwards we also experience a new phenomenon. The Holy Spirit is now becoming a stronger force in our lives and where He moves us is often difficult for an individual to interpret. This is where the help of a 'spiritual director' comes in.
Not everyone is trained to counsel. Aspiring priests have their counsellors. But counsellors for the laity are indeed very scarce. Besides, we will meet all kinds of opposition. "Holy Joe!" from people who should know better. "Scab!" from the materialistically minded. These are Satan's attempts to put obstacles in our way.
The Holy Spirit at Work
Living in the world we are very much in touch with reality. Perhaps, it is this reality which is out of touch with our faith, the Christian values we hold as ideal. How do we reconcile the two?
Stirred by the Holy Spirit a few dedicated Christians have started prayer groups in some factories and offices. These meet regularly to discuss Scripture and the life situation of the members in light of the Gospels. There are also small efforts on behalf of charities and such like, which bring to the notice of others that the Church is alive and well. Where the individual comes up against a stone wall is when the atmosphere is positively non-christian, Here a personal witness of a higher order is called for. This is when the need is felt for the support of a group, preferably a "formation" type. The kind of group that is not out of touch with reality and builds up our spirituality with a method we can apply to any situation we move around in, so that we can bring about the desired change of atmosphere.
There are groups that offer various degrees of involvement depending on the person's situation and abilities. However, the ones that have a programme of 'formation' leadership are among the most desirable as they teach their members how to reach out and serve others.
Formation Groups
Taking a decision to join such a group means saying "good bye" to our self-centeredness. There will be priorities to set depending on our state in life – whether married, single or caring for a relative. High on the list will be of course – "God first".
The groups we join will need to have all the qualities mentioned before viz. 'concern', 'awareness', 'reflection' and 'effort' to change the world around us. These marks set them apart from the average 'bible study' groups and those no less noble organisations which perform the "corporal works of mercy". In other words they will be groups performing "spiritual works of mercy" by endeavouring to put Christian values where they are absent.
By belonging to a group which is apostolic in outlook is its itself reassuring, because of the support received and the graces through prayers. All go to produce a "power house" effect. We enter the meeting with problems and frustrations and come away charged with renewed spirit and the conviction that God is by our side.
Ministry?
By participating in a 'formation' group we come to realise that the Holy Spirit is at work in and through us. Our sense of responsibility increases causing us to seek service in fields of justice, charity, evangelism to name a few which in turn will demand our on-going formation.
Formation takes place when we tackle our life situations as Christ would, building up in us a 'spirituality' and capability for handling problems as they arise. And there may be no one who can take our place. "They are called there by God that by exercising their proper function and led by the spirit of the gospel they can work for the sanctification of the world from within as a leaven". (Gaudium et Spes, n.31) Finally, on reviewing our progress in the service of God we thank Him for our formation while helping others to grow along a similar path. This, then, becomes our vocation and ministry.
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