All missioners are called by God to go out and to announce the Good News. One of the qualities that Pope Francis talks about frequently for all missioners is joy. Joy is so important that he even wrote an Apostolic Exhortation, "Joy of the Gospel," which touched our hearts. He begins the exhortation with the words: “The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.” How true this is: When we know Jesus, we cannot help but be joyful.

However, we are also human and since the pandemic has hit us, and since many social injustices have come to our attention, it is not so easy to be joyful. Our hearts break from our own suffering and the suffering of those around us. So many unnecessary deaths caused by discrimination and hate surround us. City violence seems to be increasing with the death of so many innocent children and young people because of the lack of gun control. The most recent situation which deeply disturbs is the position that wearing masks is a violation of individual freedom when our country was founded on the common good.

We hunger for peace. We are disturbed because it seems so far out of our reach. We know there is a “good trouble” as John Lewis often said, which can bring about peace, but only after we have struggled for justice. On January 1, 2014, Pope Francis addressed these words to the world: “Indifference and lack of commitment constitute a grave dereliction of the duty whereby each of us must work in accordance with our abilities and our role in society for the promotion of the common good, and in particular for peace, which is one of mankind’s most precious goods. ... [I]indifference to others and to their dignity, their fundamental rights and freedom... can foster and even justify actions and policies that ultimately represent threats to peace.”

It seems to be so complicated, so beyond our capacity, and soon discouragement paralyzes us, and indifference sets in. But there is a very simple thing that can be a starting point if we choose to do it. Please watch this music video to discover the simplicity of this transforming action. Then please do it!

https://youtu.be/t-29WLQ3trA  Danny Gokey,  “Love God Love People”

 

"I am the way and the truth and the life." - John 14:6a

True followers of Christ are not here to force their beliefs upon others, nor to condemn or control others, but to love as Jesus did, offering the gospel message by our way of living and treating others. We look to the gospels if ever in doubt about the nature of true Christian behavior and attitudes. We seek the continual formation of our faith. Do the words and actions of the people we see and listen to match that of Jesus? Do the people we are listening to follow Jesus' way of peace, non-violence, love and forgiveness? As we go about our day, are we imitators of Jesus? May we be worthy to be called “Christian” by how we live our lives. May we follow Jesus’ example and rise with Him to new life.