The document of Vatican II, Ad Gentes, which is the decree on
missionary activity in the church points out three ways in which an ordinary
practicing Catholic can contribute to the furtherance of mission work.
The first is ‘living a devout
Christian life’. This may seem simple and remote but its implications are
great. Imagine if every Christian lived the way Christ did. Being devout
Christians is easier said than done. Our situations, circumstances or culture
may influence us to act in ways that are not authentically Christian. It is
when we are faced with such challenges and we yet choose to live according to
the gospel that we truly live our faith authentically.
The second way is through ‘fervent
service of God and neighbour’. Jesus’ teachings and example as delineated in the
Gospel must be our signposts. One may ask how his/her service of people in
his/her immediate proximity can contribute to the missions? It can, in as much
as one is actively involved in bearing witness to Christ and His gospel. In
this sense, one becomes a missionary oneself.
The third way is through ‘prayers and
works of penance’. This is seemingly the easiest way. St Teresa of Child Jesus
was pronounced patroness of missions by the Pope, without ever setting foot in
a mission land. She devoted her life to praying for missionaries and their
intentions. One can also offer up small penances and acts of self-abnegation
for the success of missionary work.
These are three simple and practical
ways the document gives us to involve ourselves in the missionary activity of
the Church.
Cl Ian Pinto sdb
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