Rediscovering our Mission: Proclaiming the Kingdom of God
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
- Understanding the Mission
2. The Call to Mission
- The Power and Authority Given by Jesus
3. Losing Sight of Our Mission
- Getting Caught up in the Busyness of Life
4. The Mission of the Church
- Pope Francis' Emphasis on Mission
5. The Power to Make a Difference
- Using Our Gifts and Talents to Heal
6. Seeing the Bigger Picture
- Proclaiming the Kingdom of God
7. The Challenge of Evangelization
- Reversing the Tide of a Post-Christian Culture
8. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
- Rediscovering Fear of the Lord and Piety
9. Placing God at the Center
- Worshiping and Loving the Lord
10. Embracing Our Identity as the People of God
- Knowing Who We Are, Individually and Collectively
Article: Rediscovering Our Mission: Proclaiming the Kingdom of God
In today's fast-paced world, it is easy to lose sight of our true purpose and mission. We get caught up in the day-to-day activities of life, becoming myopic and unable to see beyond the busyness that surrounds us. However, just like the Apostles in the Gospel, we are called to a greater mission - a call from God himself.
Jesus, in his infinite wisdom, bestowed upon his Apostles power and authority to cast out demons and heal diseases. This power was not given to them for their own glory or personal gain but was intended to be utilized in proclaiming the kingdom of God. Likewise, we too have been empowered by Christ to make a difference in this world.
The mission of the Church goes beyond the sanctification of individual souls. Pope Francis has emphasized time and again that the Church exists for mission - to bring the good news of Christ's presence to the world. In a culture that increasingly marginalizes Christianity, it is crucial for us to come together as Catholic Christians and recognize that the task of evangelization belongs to all of us.
Each and every one of us has been gifted by God to contribute to the mission. Whether we are doctors, teachers, or artists, our skills and talents are God-given and should be used to make a positive impact in the world. Just like Cosmas and Damian, two doctors who used their skills to heal, we too can use our abilities to bring about healing and restoration.
However, it is not enough to simply carry out our day-to-day tasks. We must have the vision to see the bigger picture - the vision that Jesus invites us to embrace. We are called to proclaim that the kingdom of God is present here and now, that Jesus is the Christ, and that he is with us in every moment of our lives.
In a society that often sees Christianity as outdated or irrelevant, it is our collective responsibility to reverse this tide. We must come together as a community of believers and recognize that we have the power to impact the world around us. It is through our actions, our words, and our love that we can demonstrate the transformative power of Christ.
To embark on this mission, we need the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Fear of the Lord and piety are particularly crucial in today's society. Fear of the Lord does not mean being afraid of God, but rather having a deep reverence and awe for his presence in our lives. Piety, on the other hand, calls us to worship God wholeheartedly and orient our actions toward him.
Placing God at the center of our lives and allowing our actions to be guided by his love and truth gives us a clear sense of identity and purpose. We shed anything that obscures this vision and put on the calling that Christ has placed upon us. We are not just individuals living for ourselves but the people of God on a mission to bring light and hope to a world in need.
In conclusion, let us rekindle our passion for our mission as Catholic Christians. Let us not get lost in the busyness of life but instead be empowered by the love and authority bestowed upon us by Jesus. With the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we can make a profound impact in the world around us and proclaim the kingdom of God with confidence. May our lives be a testament to the transformative power of Christ's love.
