In Pope Francis’ third chapter, “The Proclamation of the Gospel”, he reminds us that God’s salvation is for everyone. The entire people of God proclaim the Gospel – everyone who is baptized is called to be a missionary disciple. Evangelization can take many forms, including normal, everyday conversations and the witness of our lives.
At the heart of missionary discipleship is the act of listening deeply and accompanying others. “We need to practice the art of listening, which is more than simply hearing” Pope Francis advises. By doing so we “remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other.” United with those we encounter, we make our faith and our witness our own, enculturating the word of God so that it can speak to all people.
The message that must ring out over and over in our sharing– and in the homilies we hear at Mass– is this: “Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.”
As you move through this week, consider how this message rings true in your life:
Do you hear it in conversation with others?
Do you make space to reflect more deeply on its truth in your life?
What opportunities are being presented for you to listen to others, speak the truth of God’s love, and create a dialogue of faith in your everyday life?
This week, we will continue with the fourth chapter, “The Social Dimension of Evangelization.” To enrich your study we offer a Lenten Lecture delivered by Fr. Bryan Hehir in 2014 called “The Work of the Kingdom of God in the World.” A link to the lecture is available here: sjspwellesley.org/lent-2024/revisiting-the-joy-of-the-gospel