From Christendom to Apostolic Mission
Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Divine Providence Family of Parishes,
In our readings today, we receive a recipe for prosperity and abundance. When we make the proper sacrifices, and organize our society in a way that fosters hospitality, then we become a light in the darkness. This offers very practical applications for us in our time. Western civilization has prospered precisely because it has historically modeled itself on the Cross. Western culture for millennia has taken the crucifix as its symbol, and this is the secret to the material abundance that we possess. If we are animated by the spirit of loving sacrifice, and are willing to see Christ in our neighbors and the poor, then we can be trusted. If we can be trusted, then we can have commerce and trade. If we have commerce, we can produce abundance. Historically, natural resources do not determine a country’s prosperity, but instead, its level of trust is the determinant of abundance. If we embrace the Cross, we can be trusted, and therefore, our society and culture can thrive.
As we watch the disintegration of Christendom, which began several generations ago, we also see the rise of misery around us. We must now respond to this reality in a new way. Our task is to update our relationship with culture and the world. The old approach, based on the presence of Christendom, was to build buildings and care for facilities. The new approach in our time requires mobility for mission.
If these ideas intrigue you, I would encourage you to check out Monsignor Shea’s excellent and timely book, “From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age.” You can listen online here or find it for sale here.
Very practically for us, the change in the Mass schedule offers us concrete ways to practice hospitality. First, if you arrive early, please park farther away from the church, to leave spots open closer for those who are arriving later. Second, please sit towards the center of pews. That leaves more openings for others and makes them feel more welcome because they can find spot to sit more easily. Third, please go out of your way to make eye contact, shake hands, and express welcome to people after Mass, especially people you don’t know. These small, intentional efforts can help us to craft a more welcoming and hospitable experience for newcomers. They are ways of embracing inconvenience to intentionally accept the Cross, in very small ways, but can have a powerful influence. Last of all, please keep in mind that you can drop off your envelope at any Mass, and your contribution will go to the parish that is marked on the envelope.
I would also encourage everyone to make the choice to set aside complaining and instead foster generosity. This is an expression of faith, in the goodness of God, and the realization that everything we have is a gift and belongs to Him. I would love to see all the parishioners in our parishes more concerned about welcoming newcomers and greeting new faces, than about the loss of their preferred Mass time.
The Holy Spirit is alive and well in our times and in our neighborhoods. He is the Spirit of adventure and of change. Next week I hope to share with you some examples from the renewal of religious life and the vibrancy of the virtues that show us how to practically receive and live according to the Spirit. May we all allow Him to animate us and inspire us with the generosity to embrace the Cross and shine as the light of the world.
Yours in Christ, with Mary,
Fr. Henry Hoffmann
