The Sending (Under the Fig Tree Part 56)

 It is important for us Christians to know what is our basic role in the world. There are many good and needful things that should be done, but these can distract us from our basic mission. We are to reach out to the poor and marginalized, we are to seek justice, we are to be peacemakers, we are to love others including our enemies. There are many things we can do as light and leaven, but at times the good we do keep us from the great God intends for us to accomplish.     Modernists in the Church get it wrong. For example, they say Christians should not proselytize. But to proselytize means to make converts. And this is THE mission Jesus entrusts to us. Before he ascended into heaven, Jesus give his disciples the great commission. “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19). That is crystal clear!       When we focus on other good things, especially as we fail to work at conversion, we fail in our mission. This is especially when we do desirable things but fail to bring people to Christ and live out his righteousness. For example:

• When we reach out to gay couples and even as priests bless them, but in effect keep them affirmed in their sin.

• When in the spirit of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue we do not try to bring other Christians and non-Christians to the one true Church, in effect keeping them in their errors and even anti-Christian beliefs.

• When we help the poor, but together with secular organizations impose on the poor aspects of the culture of DEATH, such as contraception, abortion and LGBT.

• When we try to mediate conflicts in the world, but do not bring them into a personal relationship with the Prince of Peace.

     So our basic mission as Christians is to proclaim Christ and help bring people to conversion and renewal. We are SENT by the Triune God to do this. We are taught, guided and empowered to achieve the very purposes of God. When Jesus told his disciples about the Advocate, he said “the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name” (Jn 14:26a). Father, Son and Spirit—all as one God sending us.

     First, God sends His Son Jesus. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16). God loves us, and sacrifices His own Son in order to redeem us from our sins and restore us to Himself. If we put our faith in Jesus we are saved and can enter into eternal life (Jn 3:36a).

      Second, Jesus sends his Spirit. “But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (Jn 16:7). What could be better for the disciples than just having Jesus there by their side? But Jesus said it was better if he left them. This way the mission would go on. In their love for Jesus, they were to focus on why he came into the world, and carry on his work.

       Third, the Holy Spirit sends us. It is of course Jesus himself who sends us. “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (Jn 20:21b). But it is the Holy Spirit that he leaves with us in order for us to carry on the mission. “And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the holy Spirit.’” (Jn 20:22).

      We see that the Holy Spirit told the church at Antioch: “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off. So they, sent forth by the holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and from there sailed to Cyprus.” (Acts 13:2a-4). There was also the time when the Holy Spirit sent Philip to instruct the Ethiopian, which led to his conversion. “The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go and join up with that chariot.’” (Acts 8:29).

       The Holy Spirit guides us, directs us, strengthens us and empowers us for the work. “But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8).

     It is our great privilege to be sent by the Triune God. We are to be witnesses of Christ. We are to be holy warriors in the Army of Mary. We are imperfect people doing the work of a perfect God.

      Do not miss the opportunity, to your great loss, and possibly the loss of people God intended for you to reach and touch. You are sent, so go forth!

    SALVE REGINA.