Who Me, Preach?

 

An important attitude for parishes to adopt is one of Intentional Discipleship.

Sherry Weddell in her book Forming Intentional Disciples describes the self-awareness necessary for individuals to see themselves as a disciple, as well as the necessity of having a personal encounter with Christ, as the stimulus to move a parish from a state of stagnation to a state of vibrancy.

It just so happens that today’s reading from the 10^th Chapter of Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Verses 9-18, gives us a perfect example of discipleship, without actually naming it as such.

Paul says that we will be saved if we “confess” with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, adding that we must “believe” in our heart that God raised Jesus from the dead.

Do you do those things?

Here’s the key . . .

While you may call on the name of the Lord and be saved, what about everyone else?  What about people who have not believed, or not heard?  How can they call on Jesus if they have not heard someone preach about him?

And those who preach can only do so if they are sent.

What does all of this mean?

Well, for those of us who do believe, have heard and listened, we have a responsibility to those who have not. 

Here’s what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says (¶ 848):

“. . . . the Church still has the obligation and also the sacred right to evangelize all men.”

Here’s how St. Paul said it in his First Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 9, Verse 16:

“If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it!”

Woe to us as well, if we do not preach it.  Preaching isn’t just for the ordained.

This isn’t anything new, but perhaps it may be for us lay people of the Church.

It is not enough that we believe.  The Good News of salvation is not this special little secret some of us have, just for us.  The fact that Jesus calls everyone to himself needs to be expressed by everyone who believes.

Doing so can take courage, and especially wisdom, for preaching to someone isn’t about imposing the truth upon them, but gently introducing them to Jesus whom you love.

Determining how Jesus calls you to do this will come to you in prayer, but it is definitely not optional.  It is the call of every disciple.

May God bless you as you come to recognize the role and responsibility you have in sharing your faith with others.

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.blogspot.com