Return from Saltillo

The mission of Christ the Redeemer, which is entrusted to the Church, is still very far from completion. As the second millennium after Christ's coming draws to an end, an overall view of the human race shows that this mission is still only beginning and that we must commit ourselves wholeheartedly to its service. It is the Spirit who impels us to proclaim the great works of God: "For if I preach the Gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!" (1 Cor 9: 16)

Reflecting on the above words of Pope John Paul II and his quoting of Saint Paul, I can’t help but think of those famous words attributed to Saint Francis—“Preach the Gospels at all times, and if necessary use words.” As Christians, we are called to always witness to Jesus Christ and the love that he shared with us through the Cross. And that is exactly what John Paul II speaks of in his letter Redemptoris Missio.

“Faith is strengthened when it is given to others!” he says (¶2). If we keep our faith bottled up inside of us and don’t share it, how can it ever grow? How can it grow inside of us and how can we contribute to its growth in others? Did the Apostles stay behind closed doors until they died? NO! As soon as they received the Spirit, they went out and proclaimed the Word, baptizing thousands at a time! And today, as the successors of those disciples, we are called to do the same! We are called to go out to all the ends of the earth, living and proclaiming the love God made manifest for us through Jesus Christ. This should be our “hunger and thirst” (¶40)!

After the recent trip to Saltillo, Mexico, I can only hope and pray that those teenagers who participated have come to be aware of this. I hope and pray that they have come to be aware of just how missionary work is “the greatest and holiest duty of the Church” (¶63)!