LENT 2014 * Joy of the Gospel Series * one

For this Lent I thought I would focus on Pope Francis' document, The Joy of the Gospel, with particular focus on chapter five -

 Spirit-filled Evangelizers.

To be the voice and image of the gospel for all to hear is central to the vocation of every baptized person. On Easter Sunday we will all stand and renewal our baptismal commitment and our acceptance of this vocation. Lent is a time to prepare for that Easter day by examining the present character our commitment - to discover what may be lacking in the Christian Life we are living, and where we need to have rekindle the "Fire of the Spirit"  in our hearts. 

We often hear accounts of persons disregarding their own safety and rush into harms way to save another. When asked why they did such an act of bravery, they are at a loss for words of explanation. Something from within compelled and empowered them to act. 

Pope Francis tells us that, "that something from within", that motivates the evangelist, is the Spirit. For what human heart alone would have the courage to confront the enormous challenges facing the evangelist, which Pope Francis has articulated for us in chapter two of his document.

As we examine our response to the challenge of the gospel throughout these Lenten days, we are not to become dishearten by the inadequacies we discover within ourselves, rather we prayerfully seek to have the "Fire of the Spirit" rekindle in our hearts. The following will be our prayer that we will carry throughout these reflections

Jesus my Lord, I confess to you and to all the world / my need for your presence in my life. / I am alone and in darkness without you. / I am influenced and controlled by the many forces that surround me. / Even though I struggle against them,/ it is sin that so easily dominates my life. / Who can save me but you alone, / my Lord and my God. / Deliver me from the Evil One. / Touch my life with that power which flows from your Resurrection. / Cause your Holy Spirit to be born in me anew. / Prince of Peace and Lord of Glory / reign now in my heart. / Baptize me with your Holy Spirit and Fire. / Raise me up to a New Life in you.

CHAPTER FIVE

SPIRIT-FILLED EVANGELIZERS [259-261]

In The Words of Pope Francis

259.

Spirit-filled evangelizers means evangelizers fearlessly open to the working of the Holy Spirit. 

• The Holy Spirit grants the courage to proclaim the newness of the Gospel with boldness (parrhesía) in every time and place, even when it meets with opposition. [Parrhesía - meaning literally "to speak everything" and by extension "to speak freely," "to speak boldly," or "boldness." It implies not only freedom of speech, but the obligation to speak the truth for the common good, even at personal risk.]

• Let us call upon him today, firmly rooted in prayer, for without prayer all our activity risks being fruitless and our message empty. 

• Jesus wants evangelizers who proclaim the good news not only with words, but above all by a life transfigured by God’s presence.

For Reflection and Prayer

 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matt: 5:14

In today's culture, speaking openly about religion and one's beliefs is very unpopular - it is a private matter and should remain so. People who talk about their faith make others uncomfortable, and are unpopular. 

• Are you inclined to agree?
• Consider these words of St. Peter: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope (and Joy) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," 1 Pt. 3:15
• When was the last time you spoke of your your faith as your motive for your actions?
• Acts of kindness, even small ones, are words-in-action. Do you look for opportunities to evangelize by deeds, large or small?
• Do you pray each day for the inspiration and the guidance of the Spirit to point out to you- when and where, and how you may evangelize this day?

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261.

Whenever we say that something is  “Spirited”, it usually refers to some interior impulse which encourages, motivates, nourishes and gives meaning to our individual and communal activity. Spirit-filled evangelization is not the same as a set of tasks dutifully carried out despite one’s own personal inclinations and wishes. 

• How I long to find the right words to stir up enthusiasm for a new chapter of evangelization full of [fervour] - [joy] - [generosity] - [courage] - [boundless love and attraction]! 

• Yet I realize that no words of encouragement will be enough unless the fire of the Holy Spirit burns in our hearts.

• A Spirit-filled evangelization is one guided by the Holy Spirit, for he is the soul of the Church called to proclaim the Gospel. 

Before offering some Spiritual motivations and suggestions, I once more invoke the Holy Spirit. I implore him to come and renew the Church, to stir and impel her to go forth boldly to evangelize all peoples.

For Reflection and Prayer

 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matt: 5:11

• Are you up for the job? Are you ready? How am I doing?

How bright is your light? Check and see.

Pope Francis points out that our Christian life must be "... deeply rooted in Prayer." Included in that way of prayer is the Prayer of Examine. This approach to prayer guides us through an examination of how we have lived out our Christian life that day. Without this self awareness Pope Francis points out, "... all our activity risks being fruitless and our message empty". I strongly recommend this form of prayer be incorporated into your daily prayer practice.

Here is a link to the Ignatian Spirituality Site and a description of the Prayer of Examine and how to pray it. (LINK HERE)