Week of Prayer - ONWARD WITH the GREAT COMMISSION - Celebrating 50 Years of LausanneSample

DAY 4: SHARING THE GOSPEL HOLISTICALLY (art. 4-5, 10-11)

The amazing grace, which saves and sanctifies us, introduces us to a new community of men and women who identify with the teachings and practice of the One they call 'Lord and Saviour': Jesus Christ. God also calls us to be his co-workers in proclaiming this Good News, to be his disciples on the journey of life. It is precisely on this journey that we can tell others of our life-changing encounter with the Risen One, demonstrating in the realness of discipleship the only alternative that reconciles us with God, our neighbour, and the whole of creation, free from self-reliance, selfishness, and commitments to a corrupt system of values.

Now, the joyful hope of the Kingdom announced by Jesus also provides us with a new perspective on how to approach the journey before us. Indeed, far from being an idle expectation, we are rather called to embody our Lord's principles of love and justice, living our vocation responsibly and engaging in the redemptive work of the One who makes "all things new" (Revelation 21:5). When we learn to be mindful of the needs around us, when we know how to be inclusive and welcoming, when we care about those who are relegated to the margins of society, then we can be sure that we are on the right side of history (Matthew 25:35-40).

In all this, God has given us the gift of creativity so that we learn to communicate and be relevant to the time and place in which we live. In this dynamic relationship between Gospel and culture, it is good to remember how much the Scriptures encourage us to actively seek the renewal of our principles, without which we would inexorably end up conforming to our context. On the contrary, when the Spirit has the freedom to work in us, we are empowered to "examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good" (1 Thess. 5:21), to discern what is right and what is good, according to a deep change that results in new conduct (Romans 12:2).

What has been said so far leads us to consider how essential it is to “be ready to defend [our] hope" (1 Peter 3:15), encouraging men and women to prepare themselves responsibly for the work to which God has called them. All this requires a clear understanding of our faith, which must be grounded in Scripture and, at the same time, capable of recognising the historical and theological background of our traditions, applying reason, and considering our experience according to the guidance of the Spirit. Only in this perspective can we expect our communities to become capable of sharing the Gospel in a holistic way.

THANKSGIVING

Our God, we adore you for your love and justice, for the amazing grace you have shown us in welcoming us into your holy people. We ask your forgiveness for all those times when we have let our pride and prejudices hinder our communion and stand in the way of a faithful witness to your Gospel. We thank You for the hope You have placed in our hearts, the living and effective Word You have left us, and the sure direction of Your Spirit. Help us to live the freedom you have given us with responsibility as we are regenerated by your redemption and enabled to love you and our neighbour with our whole selves! Amen.

REFLECTIONS

Evangelisation - How have I sought to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ? Have I been able to share his Gospel, rather than my personal beliefs?

Responsibility - Has my commitment to others been a witness to my living faith through works? Did my actions reflect the love and justice of the Kingdom of God?

Awareness - Have I allowed the Holy Spirit to lead me in discerning what needs to be changed in my way of life? How much have I invested in my discipleship training to effectively participate in God's mission?

REQUESTS

For a renewed passion for evangelisation. Let us join God's mission!

For an ever-greater witness of love and justice, to see our neighbour with Jesus' compassionate eyes.

For all those who have a vocation, who wish to invest in their theological and ministerial training to serve the Kingdom of God.

Matteo Ricciardi

European Nazarene College