Called to be People and Disciples of God

We all know that the meaning of the word “Gospel” is Good News.

Our gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John it seems, have their own understanding of what “gospel” is all about, according to what they experienced.  

In our gospel this weekend Jesus appoints twelve of His disciples. But St. Peter also writes: “You are a chosen race a royal priesthood…” (1 Peter.2.9).  In other words, everybody, is called to be preachers and missionaries of the gospel.

Sometimes in the past, the work of evangelizing or sharing our faith by preaching was regarded as belonging only to bishops, priests and religious.  The lay people were expected to just say, “amen” and to Pray, Pay and Obey.  Someone once compared our Church, many years ago, to a ship. The captain of the ship was the Pope. The officers were the bishops and the crewmembers were the priests. What was the role of the lay people? The lay people were viewed as paying passengers. They had no active role in the ship which was the Church. Pray, pay and obey was the role!

But now, there is a change. We are hopefully going back once again to the early Christian idea that the Church is a Christian community of brothers and sisters all dedicated to the same work and all cooperating closely and together. We are on the age on the empowerment of the lay people.  Each must contribute in his/her own way to the common good of his/her parish, community, and organization.

Everyone is called to share in the big T’s (Time, Talent and Treasure) no matter how small it may seem.  Be good examples to all.  As someone once said, good example helps people, bad examples break them.  

People, I believe learn about God and His Gospel not because they can unravel the mystery of the Trinitarian God or they are well versed with the Bible.  People know about God from Christ-like people, from Christians who live out the gospel in their lives. Do you know your mission? What is God’s mission for us?