First of all, I want to make a confession. On his election to the papacy, I said I'm still for Pope Benedict. But maybe, somehow, the Holy Spirit is indeed at work. Now I'm beginning to see the light and wisdom on his pontificate.
Now I understand what Pope Francis wants every time he calls for Christians to be missionaries. The Church as the Body of Christ should not be confined in the pillars of the worship building but should extend its participation in homes, on the streets, in the market, and in the whole structure of society. We believers should go out of our comfort zones to reach out in order to effectively proclaim the Gospel message. We are reminded of the great Pentecost account when the apostles went out of their room in hiding and courageously spoke of the resurrection. Pope Francis wants a Church which literally journeys and is authentically on a pilgrimage towards the Holy City of God. He wants Church that permeates within the daily life experiences of man.
The key element for a fruitful mission is joy. His Apostolic Exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium" deals extensively in this Christian joy which must envelope both the mission and the missionary. But it is more than mere joy. It is a MISSIONARY JOY (21). This exhortation is the response from the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization convoked on October 2013. His opening words clearly gives the whole structure and point of his exhortation:
"THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus." (1)
It brings us back to the call of the disciples towards the resurrection encounter; the encounter with Jesus, true God and true man, who reveals His victory. This is the heart of the Gospel message to which the apostle Paul also exemplifies: "if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain" (cf. 1 Cor. 15:1-20). This is the joy that sprang from within and out of the hearts of the women who saw the empty tomb and immediately went to announce what they have seen.
During these times we think of missionary work as reserved for the religious. We easily equate it with going to remote places, to indigenous people, to the natives, and those who do not know Christ. But that is only one aspect of the larger scheme of missionary work to which every Christian, by virtue of their baptism, should take part. It is more than defending the existence of God or explaining the faith, but on how we are able to show what we believe in. Put words into action. It is wonderful to recalls how many of the Gentiles and the Romans admired the early believers- they were living in love. It was not through reading or preaching (in many instances) but more on the witnessing of these Christians that many were converted and added to their group.
The world is in need of active witnesses- those who are ready to stand up and live their identity as Christians, followers of Christ. The world is in need of pastors who are willing to be among their flock. In the words of Pope Francis, those who would "smell like sheep" and be one with their community. The world is in need not of superficial leaders as if separated from them but one who is able to relate and experience their own living. The world is in need of more men and women committed to works of charity. These people who have the desire to do apostolic works out of their love from their brothers and sisters and not for selfish motives. The world is in need of young people ready to be signs of contradictions in an industry mired by individuality, consumerism, and indifference.
"Many places are experiencing a dearth of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. This is often due to the lack of contagious apostolic fervour in communities which results in a cooling of enthusiasm and attractiveness. Wherever there is life, fervous and a desire to bring Christ to others, genuine vocations will arise." (107)
It is also noteworthy that Pope Francis has special affection to the poor and need. This should also be out attitude. The Church is of and for the poor. We should not forget this for in their eyes are the mirrors of reality. They reflect the poverty of the manger, of the Lord's life, and the suffering He endured. The Church's poverty is a sign of her need and dependence on the Lord's sustenance. They should not be left out in this journey. They are a significant part, whether objects of evangelization or agents of this proclamation.
"Our faith in Christ, who became poor, and was always close to the poor and the outcast, is the basic of our concern for the integral development of society's most neglected members. Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor, and for enabling them to be fully a part of society... The old question always returns: 'How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods, and sees a brother and sister in need and yet refuses to help?' (1 Jn 3:17)." (186,187)
Service for the Lord is not a duty. It is more than an obligation. It entails a commitment. There is freedom. The joy of proclaiming the Gospel should not be a burden but rather a pure spirit of zeal and courageousness. It is borne out of love. The more joy we carry, the lighter our journey would be. It will always be a joy in the service of God and others.
It is only fitting that this exhortation was released on the occasion of the closing of the Year of Faith previously declared by his predecessor, Benedict XVI. It was a grace-filled year and moment to reflect and recall our faith. Now, it is time to go out and live it.
