THE CHURCH’S ONLY MISSION, AS THE COMMUNITY OF CHRIST’S DISCIPLES, IS TO BRING THE GOSPEL TO THE ENTIRE WORLD BY BEARING WITNESS TO CHRIST

Posted on April 19, 2023 by franksantucci

Writing to Fr Baudrand, who had been part of the first group of missionaries to be sent to Canada, Eugene rejoices in God’s blessings outside and in France.

I must also thank the Lord for keeping all of you well in the midst of the laborious work of your ministry – this is a tangible protection from the goodness of God upon our family…

It is ever with growing admiration that I consider all the good done by our little Congregation through the zeal and devotedness of her members. Everywhere they are to be seen, God blesses their ministry. You have before your eyes what He does through you. we have the same consolation everywhere else. I do not speak to you of the marvels of the missions in our country which we are familiar with and which continue admirably.

Letter to Fr Jean Baudrand in Bytown, Canada, 21 January 1847, EO I n 77

“This is the heart of Jesus’ teaching to the disciples regarding their mission in the world. The disciples are to be witnesses of Jesus, in every place and situation, thanks to the grace of the Holy Spirit that they will receive… In a similar way, every Christian is called to be a missionary and witness to Christ. The Church’s only mission, as the community of Christ’s disciples, is to bring the Gospel to the entire world by bearing witness to Christ.” (Pope Francis)

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One Response to THE CHURCH’S ONLY MISSION, AS THE COMMUNITY OF CHRIST’S DISCIPLES, IS TO BRING THE GOSPEL TO THE ENTIRE WORLD BY BEARING WITNESS TO CHRIST

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate says:
    April 19, 2023 at 13:21

    Eugene’s letter to Fr. Baudrand gives little indication of what he knows to be happening along with all of the good being done by the congregation. The saying that we recognize ourselves in others is most certainly true at least for me: I am incredibly human and imperfect. All this while I am given the grace to bear witness to God, to the Church which I love, even as I recognize in her imperfections and how like myself my brothers and sisters are also human.

    I do not have to worry about what ‘my mission’ is, what God is calling me to… Missio Dei – God’s mission, which is the Church’s mission and so the people of God’s mission is one in the same. My efforts, small and hidden as they are, will join with the efforts of my/our community and become one with the Church’s efforts.

    I look out my window this morning and it is trying to snow outside. But it is not enough to dampen the spirit of Spring which can be heard in the cries of the birds and seen in the new green shoots in the garden and on the tips of tree branches. I know that Spring will overcome a few tiny flakes.

    So it is through God’s graces that our imperfections, trials and struggles shall not overcome the goodness planted within us. It will be in my thoughts and my daily efforts that I bear witness to Christ and his Church today.

    Reply

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