What is the Mission of Love? Pope Francis demonstrated the Mission of Love in his visit to the United States of America. His actions were much more important than words. Or, were they?
While switching back and forth between television stations, not wanting to be influenced by the opinions of others too much I considered the lessons of the Spiritual Works of Mercy which our Holy Father, Pope Francis chose to teach us: Admonish the sinner, Instruct the Ignorant, Counsel the Doubtful, Comfort the Sorrowful, Bear Wrongs Patiently, Forgive all Injuries, and Pray for the Living and the Dead.
Briefly, Admonish the sinner: Everywhere he spoke gently and lovingly of the injustices in American Society, related to the love of neighbor, and earth. He was speaking to not only Americans but to a worldwide audience about the Sacredness of all of Creation.
Instruct the Ignorant: Pope Francis taught (re-taught), reinforced the ideas that American policy affects all of mankind. As a role-model and superpower, we lead in the areas of human rights and the environment. Carefully he reminded America of four of its heroes: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. He raised up what is good about the American People and that we should return to days of high ideals and lofty ambitions of justice and peace. It is a part of our heritage, our American inheritance.
Counsel the Doubtful: The Holy Father reminded us that we are all worthy of LOVE. And, choosing to "Do the Right Thing" is to follow the "Golden Rule."
Comfort the Sorrowful: He met with people we don't even know who, from a tearful John Boehner, to victims and families of Priest Abuse, to Survivors and Families of Victims of 9-11, as well as men in prison.
Bear Wrongs Patiently: He knows we are a sinful people, but never forgets that he walks in our shoes as he is also a sinner. Francis demonstrates that when we are hurting we must seek the Lord in prayer, public and private. He is hurt by the actions and in-actions of his brother priests. He prays for them and encourages the faithful, that's us, to pray for them too.
Forgives all injuries: In my humble opinion, the Vicar of Christ came to reassure us that we are forgiven and can start anew at any time, in any place, no matter the offense. Most importantly, he came to let us know that no one is perfect. The Church is a place for sinners within the priesthood, religious life and laity. He asks for forgiveness of our collective and corporate sins.
Pray for the Living and the Dead: Everywhere he went he prayed. In the halls of Congress, the United Nations, the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Ground Zero, Madison Square Garden, St. Joseph's Seminary, Central Park etc. He prayed for us, for families touched by tragedy, for those no longer with us.
What does all this mean for the Catechist? Like Jesus, Pope Francis shows us the way. Yes, we need to study Scripture and Tradition, and know Jesus. We need to know the dynamics of Faith Development and Learning Styles; different teaching methods. We need to be people of action, committed to the Corporal Works of Mercy, but our hearts must be nurtured, loving and prayerful. Just like we need to study the ways of Fowler and the need to understand the various stages of faith development within the human person, we need to practice the Spiritual Works of Mercy. Yes, we need to learn how to create lessons plans that are geared towards the learner and include the various styles of learning. But, much more importantly, we need to be people of courage; spiritually strong.
I don't know if you've noticed, but Pope Francis speaks of courage often. We need to be able to admit when we don't know. We need to be able to admit when we are wrong and seek forgiveness when we have wronged someone. The reasons aren't important, but seeking forgiveness is. More importantly, we need to forgive those who have hurt us, especially when it was well thought out and deliberate.
The Catechist is a loving expression of Jesus and the Church in the world:
Lovingly stepping up to the plate and sharing the love of Jesus with those we see going astray, lovingly instructing parents and children, teens, young adults and even us who have snow on the mountain top, being vessels of God's love and mercy in such a way that others see and want some of that loving way for themselves. Catechists are role-models in every environment in which they travel: living the Beatitudes, practicing the Corporal Works of Mercy, keeping Scripture close, building a life of prayer, all this is living out the Spiritual Works of Mercy. This is imperative to the "New Evangelization", and the life of the Catechist; strive to be HOLY.
Living an authentic Christian Life is living an authentic life of love and compassion.
The Catechist's Mission is the Mission of Jesus. The Catechist's Mission is the Mission of Love. Jesus asks us two fundamental questions, He asks who is He to us and He asks us to follow. Are you ready?
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