Bearing the Cross with Love


Photo credit: Resplashed.com Matthew Weibe

“I… urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love… as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all... But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift." Eph 4:1-7

The readings for the Ascension recount the Great Commission given to the Apostles to go out to the ends of the earth to proclaim the Good News. The Apostles are called to be witnesses – martyrs in the original Greek – to Christ. They will face persecution and even death, but Jesus also promises them great powers and graces to accomplish their mission. Some among them will be prophets, teachers, pastors, evangelists, to help all mankind come to faith and knowledge of God.

Each Christian must also take up this mission. Although we may not be called to be evangelists and martyrs, grace was given to all. Jesus Himself sustains and equips each of us for the job He’s chosen for us. In our work, families, communities, and the world, we are called to use our gifts to witness to Jesus Christ.

Each of us has a purpose. Without your gifts, given courageously for Christ, the Church’s mission is diminished. By following God’s will for your life, you will find peace and joy even in adversity. By loving one another, we bring Christ to the world. That’s not always easy to do, especially when we are wounded by others. Like our Lord, our hearts may be pierced, our souls scarred, and our minds pierced with thorns of sorrow. Like our Lord, we are asked to do what seems impossible – to forgive our persecutors and love our enemies.

But all things are possible through Christ, and God will help us forgive those who have hurt us and to respond in love even when we are unjustly persecuted. Sometimes, the best way we can evangelize others may be without words, but just by living “… in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love…”  
 
 

 

 

Comments