United States – A Salesian Imperative: Be Missionary Disciples
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05 December 2017

(ANS – New Rochelle) – As Salesians we are called to be missionary disciples, people committed to proclaiming the good news of salvation to all people. For some, responding to this call will be demonstrated through a ministry serving as a missionary in a land far from their country of birth. This may be in a land and country that has little knowledge of or experience with Christianity. Some will be in places where there is hostility towards the faith. We must pray for them as they bear witness to the faith while facing challenges we might not even consider.

By Fr Tom Brennan, SDB

Most of us will not receive a call to be a missionary ad gentes, but all members of the Salesian family are called to burn with missionary zeal and witness to the faith in the context and culture where they are ministering. The challenges one faces in one’s own locale can be daunting. Indifference and complacency reinforced by a comfortable way of life; isolation and loneliness in a fast changing culture; fear, distrust and a win at all costs competitive climate have captured the minds and hearts of many. Proclaiming the values of the Gospel, Catholic Social Teaching and the tenets of the faith in a world described by some as one of practical paganism demands an army of witnesses. We are to be the medics in the field hospital of the wounded in our neighborhoods and ministries as well as the shepherds of those looking for moral leadership.

During his Apostolic Visit to Myanmar, Pope Francis, in his meetings with the bishops and the young, stressed the need to be missionary disciples. He noted the common but differentiated obligations of both for the transformation of the world through the witness to and proclamation of the Gospel. What he had to say to them applies to the members of the Salesian Family. As we begin the Advent Season preparing our hearts and world for the Incarnate Word to come anew, it is worth reflecting on his words.

The bishops were told to focus their ministry on healing, accompaniment and prophecy.

Healing begins when we pledge ourselves to work to overcome deeply-rooted divisions and build unity in spite of differences. Disciples have a responsibility to help foster healing and communion at every level.

Pope Francis reminded the bishops that good shepherds must be present to their flocks.  Salesians know of the need for presence among the young and accompaniment as they journey through life discovering God’s will for them. The Pope urged the bishops to make a special effort to accompany the young and to be “concerned for their formation in the sound moral principles that will guide them in confronting the challenges of a rapidly changing world.”

Prophetic voices challenge complacency. Indifference kills one spirit. In a place where the rights and dignity of many are being neglected and abused, Pope Francis spoke of the prophetic voice of the Church that “witnesses daily to the Gospel through its works of education and charity, its defense of human rights, its support for democratic rule”. Our faith must influence and help form a society that promotes the common good. Catholic communities animated by their bishops must continue to play a constructive part in the life of society, in solidarity with the vulnerable and those living in poverty and in helping to protect the environment, our common home.

Reflecting on a phrase from the first reading from the prophet Isaiah, echoed by Saint Paul in his letter to the young Christian community in Rome: “The footsteps of those who bring good news are a welcome sound” (Rom 10:15; cf. Is 52:7), Pope Francis invited the young to reflect on their call to witness to the faith. He noted that St. Paul asked three questions that we must all answer personally.  First, how are people to believe in the Lord unless they have heard about him?  Second, how are people to hear about the Lord unless they have a messenger, someone to bring the good news?  And third, how can they have a messenger unless one is sent?” (Rom 10:14-15).

The admonition Pope Francis gave to the youth of Myanmar resonates with our experience in the USA and Canada, even if we do not have the exact same experience of suffering.

Some people ask how it is possible to speak of good news when so many people around us are suffering?  Where is the good news when so much injustice, poverty and misery cast a shadow over us and our world?  But I want a very clear message to go out from this place.  I want people to know that you, the young men and women of Myanmar, are not afraid to believe in the good news of God’s mercy, because it has a name and a face: Jesus Christ.  As messengers of this good news, you are ready to bring a word of hope to the Church, to your own country, and to the wider world.  You are ready to bring good news for your suffering brothers and sisters who need your prayers and your solidarity, but also your enthusiasm for human rights, for justice and for the growth of that “love and peace” which Jesus brings.”

Most of us will be missionaries “in place”, i.e., in our land of origin, in a familiar culture using a language we have known since birth. And yet, in some of these places the faith is neither well known nor proclaimed with conviction. We have all heard the expression, “Words move, but actions drag.” Our lived faith, the sincerity of our witness shown in the manner we live our daily lives will often lead more people to the knowledge of God then our words. Pope Francis told the youth of Myanmar something that should also be said to us. Will we become Missionary Disciples?

Do not be afraid to make a ruckus, to ask questions that make people think!  And don’t worry if sometimes you feel that you are few and far between.  The Gospel always grows from small beginnings.  So make yourselves heard.  I want you to shout!  But not with your voices.  No!  I want you to shout with your lives, with your hearts, and in this way to be signs of hope to those who need encouragement, a helping hand to the sick, a welcome smile to the stranger, a kindly support to the lonely. 

… Whatever your vocation, I urge you: be brave, be generous and, above all, be joyful!

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