Christian Life but Mission?

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Catechesis and Evangelization are linked to the Church’s inmost being.[1] It is clear in nearly every Church document regarding mission or tradition, that this teaching office, is essential for the salvation of all. Christ, Himself, commands the Apostles to “make disciples of all nations”.[2] Discipleship by its nature grows the faith, formation, virtue, and Christian maturity of all involved. “The work of the Holy Spirit within the Christian community forms the person as a disciple of Christ.”[3] To be living witnesses to the Gospel, is to live a life of prayer, with a frequent encounter of God in the sacraments (especially liturgy), and constant study of the scriptures.[4] 
God calls us by virtue of Jesus' coming to go out a proclaim the realties He has made us aware of.[5] Likewise, as members of His household and partakers in His Divine life, any concern/desire of God's shall be ours also. Even in our Baptism, we are configured to Christ and His offices of priest, prophet, and King. In all three of these offices, our task is to proclaim God's Word (prophet), lead all into the right worship (priest), and caring for the needs of all (king). In each of these offices, there is the surest assuming of Christ's mission. Every Christian is responsible for living out their priestly, kingly, and prophetic offices. This generation is responsible for this generation. Proclaim the Gospel to those who have never heard the Gospel. Offer yourself with our Lord as a living sacrifice.[6] Go to Mass to pray with all the Church and not to watch the priest.[7] Receive the Eucharist knowing it is the real presence veiled as bread and wine. Be always mindful of the effect of your actions on others not just in the present but over a lifetime. Be careful how you think. "The bow is bent in the study and the arrow released in preaching".[8] Be as kings fighting for love and by love. The world remains utterly confounded by Christus Vincit, Christ the Victor. "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple" and fight this battle, not for self but to love God. Remember, "whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."[9] Place all trust in the Lord, spare nothing in His service ("Nothing is small in the service of God" Saint Francis de Sales).[10] Evil is negligible and powerless in the face of God's love and its strength. You need God more than life. Let us take whatever God gives and give whatever He takes with a smile That is holiness" Some even trust in their own experience more than they trust in God. "Lean not on your own understanding".[11] Satan is satisfied by your sin and stealing what is good within you, give him none.

As Christians, we are called to a life of prayer. We are called to seek constantly for the true Will of God, in every moment of our words, thoughts, and deeds. Still, further, we are called to be contemplatives, they who frequently return to the place where God is sustaining and re-creating us here and now.[12] In this life of prayer, we contribute to the economy of grace. This traces back even to our first Pope.  Saint Peter describes us as called to be"generous distributors of God's manifold grace".[13]

How do you approach this mission? This is an important and often overlooked question. Know that this mission is also of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is already working in the hearts of all. However, you should not "force the Bible and/or Church teaching down their throat". We know that this life will bring them surest happiness and fulfillment and ultimately is what is best for them whether they would/would not like it to be the case. This does not mean they will be ready to choose faith on "Day 1". They need very much care to complete their journey to faith. God may be the only one to see this whole process through and could possibly do it alone. However, He wants us to take part in this. One may be called just to smile and listen, or to be a great friend or even to answer questions/hear arguments with patients and peace. Always be open and ready for God's promptings. [14] This quality of mission is navigated be constant prayer and dependence on God's Will.

FN:
  1. Paul VI. “Evangelii nuntiandi”, Vatican.va. Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Accessed March 21, 2020. http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/disciples-called-to-witness/culture-of-witness.cfm.
  2. The New American Bible, Revised Edition (Washington, DC: Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, 2011), at United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, www.usccb.org, Matthew 28:19
  3. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, _Culture of Witness: Disciples Called To Witness: Part IV_, 5th ed., §74 (Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2006), 29. http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/disciples-called-to-witness/culture-of-witness.cfm
  4. Be living witnesses”; Catechism; Dei Verbum
  5. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 460.
  6. Romans 12:1-2
  7. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1174.
  8. Hugh of St Cher, 13th-century Dominican friar, and Cardinal
  9. Luke 14:27; Matthew 16:25
  10. cf. Romans 8:32-39
  11. Proverbs 3:5-6
  12. Merton, Thomas. A Way to God 
  13. 1 Peter 4:10
  14. Cf. 1 Peter 3:15
I am a Theology major attending Holy Apostles College and Seminary. I am a Knight of Columbus and a Newman Ambassador for Pius XII Newman Center.

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