Fr Xavier Writes 14th July 2024

There is something very special in sending out the twelve ordinary men, after a brief apprenticeship, to preach the message of God’s word, which they might not have fully understood. They were to have a very simple lifestyle; not worried about physical needs, not upset if their message was not welcome at every door. They were highly successful and the secret of their fruitfulness was that they benefitted from the living example of Jesus and time spent with him.

The sending of apostles was the beginning of the Church’s mission and, down the centuries, ordinary people were called and sent to spread the message of God. The message is to be spread and not to be jealously kept in secret. If the word of God is to reach all people, then everyone who hears it must make it known. The message of salvation is offered to all, but it is not forced on anyone. Parents should remember that one of the most effective ways to proclaim the gospel - one doesn’t even need to go over one’s doorstep to give the message – is to show a simple, exemplary life to their children, rearing them in the Faith and upholding Christian values in their homes.

A simple lifestyle is a silent witness to the gospel. So much of what we accumulate in life is left unused and wasted. We forget the only luggage that we can take with us as we leave this world is charity. Let us be the messenger of God’s word today.

Do we evangelise and do we witness what we profess!!!