I believe that most of the readers of this article have probably heard or watched the movie “mission impossible” by Tom Cruise. The action included in the movie is the opposite version of the title. Tom Cruise proves what is impossible, possible in his mission throughout the movie. Well, that is a stage with all stunts and all graphics prepared ahead of time before the final product is released for the viewers.
On the contrary, Mission in the Church is a whole different affair. One might have plans, preparations, strategies and even high expectations but instead the results turn out to be very different. God proves someone very wrong. No wonder, the book of Proverbs cautions us saying:
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).
Expressed in another way, this passage confirms that the mission is not ours but the Lord’s. This has deeper implications especially for the men and women who serve as members, but also in other ways those, that serve as collaborators in the mission and ministries of the Congregation of Holy Cross.
First, we can take pride in what we do but we cannot own anything that we do. Secondly, mission has a very spiritual identity for both groups of people. There are no earning profits, there is no appraisal, there are no promotions, there is no power or property except two powerful and mighty realities: Jesus Christ and one’s heart of obedience and love.
Thirdly, the goal of our mission is two-fold: on one hand is the salvation of souls and on the other hand, the establishment of the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ. Finally, whoever participates in the mission of the Lord is merely an agent, an instrument of God: a catalyst. The implication that we are merely agents of Mission on earth is well expressed in the vision of Holy Cross Family Ministries, that is, to be respected and reliable catalysts (or agents) for inspiration, support, and dynamic content on family life, especially through a focus on spirituality and prayer, particularly the Rosary.
To this effect, every catalyst, agent or instrument of the Mission of God, needs to recall and practice four attitudes while they carry out their functions in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. These attitudes henceforth include though not limited to: Unity of action, Holiness of life, Apostolicity of response and Catholicity of access.
By unity of action is meant that, an agent of mission needs to always emulate the example of the disciples of Jesus in the acts of the apostles:
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had” (Acts 4:32).
Unity is that foundation which increases encouragement, motivation, strength, joy, hope and accomplishment in the life of an individual while someone serves in the mission of God. For this reason, the slogan that, “United we stand, divided we fall” has great significance in life.
Holiness of life shall in this moment refer to the capacity to practice virtue and value in a more spiritual sense while someone serves others. Such virtues include faith, hope and love which manifest the objective of mission among Gods people. God is faithful, so we too must live faithful lives; God restores hope among his children, so we too must constantly be “Pilgrims of hope”, God is love and so we too must manifest and express a Franciscan love, while we serve others in the mission.
Apostolicity of response. In the congregation of Holy Cross, there is a common line of reflection which reveals that, in all that we do to enhance the kingdom of God, “we must advance with a preferential option for the poor” while we also “read the signs of the times”. But who are the poor and what are the signs? In search of these realities, someone must deepen a sense of apostolicity – ready to be sent, ready to serve in the name of Jesus Christ.
The poor could be the rich people in society, the unappreciated, the isolated, the insecure, the divorced, the separated, the unbelievers, the powerful ones and those in authority more than the famous category like the beggars and homeless. It is everyone under the earth who is created in the image of God, limited, frail, human. Therefore, someone must be ready to be sent to all kinds of people.
Finally, an agent of mission must be Catholic in character. By catholic I do not mean “the faith denomination” but rather a sense of universality of disposition. Someone ought to be accessible while in return they, too, can access the lives of other people on the mission. In other words, it is the “spirit of synodality” according to pope Francis where they transform the church into a home, a hospital a family of God where everyone finds solace, comfort and a sense of belonging.
As we embark on this Year of Mission in the Congregation of Holy Cross, we are invited into a new adventure: new places, new people, new cultures, and renewed bonds of faith.
Let us pray with the words of the Serenity Prayer:
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference—while I do your mission in this world.
Amen.”
The invitation from Jesus Christ is, “Follow me!”
Our response shall be, “Here I am, Lord, send me!”
The family that prays together, stays together.
In Holy Cross,
Joe, C.S.C.
