Open the doors of faith

We continue to rejoice in the Lord’s resurrection as we celebrate the 4th and 5th Sundays of Easter.  The Mass readings, passages from the New Testament, provide a narrative of the missionary activities of St. Paul and St. Barnabas and support our role as missionary disciples to open the doors of faith to all.

Light to all nations (Acts 13-15)

St. Paul and St. Barnabas journeyed north from Jerusalem to Turkey, preaching in the synagogues, offering encouragement and supporting the recent converts to the faith, Jews and Gentiles alike.  Jews in the synagogue, who rejected the proclamation of salvation through Jesus Christ, were furious that Gentile converts were present since they saw them as pagans. 

We recall the words of the prophet Isaiah concerning the mission of the servant of the Lord, the Christ,  which extends to the chosen people (the Jews) and to all nations, “It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth” (Is 49:6). 

We are the children of Christ, the light by baptism. As St. Paul and St. Barnabas, we are to carry Christ’s light to the “ends of the earth” to proclaim the message of salvation; eternal salvation in Christ our, Lord, who became man, like us in all things, but sin. Jesus Christ suffered, died and rose to free us from sin and lead us to everlasting life, union with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is our hope in the resurrection. This is the faith we profess. This is the love we share. We claim it in the name of Jesus Christ, to share it and make disciples. 

The advocate

It is so assuring to know the Holy Spirit is with us as we share the message of Jesus Christ. We have an advocate, the third person of the Blessed Trinity, just as St. Paul and St. Barnabas had in the first century. Like the early apostles and disciples, we will experience acceptance and rejection. St. Paul’s encouragement to those he served still echoes true today, to persevere in the faith and remain strong, steadfast. As St. Paul “opened the doors of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts 14:27), by the grace of God and the Holy Spirit we are called to open the doors for others, inviting them to an encounter with Jesus Christ, a relationship like no other.

Relationship (Jn 10)

How do I open the doors of faith to others? We start with our own personal relationship with God. A good examination of our prayer life is the best place to begin. We read in the Gospel of St. John Jesus’ words, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life” (Jn 10:28). Pause for a moment to reflect: “Do I hear the voice of the good shepherd? Am I following him?”

How does one hear the voice of God? Prayer. Prayer is God’s gift, where we “speak from depths of our humble and contrite heart” (Catechism of The Catholic Church 2559). Prayer deepens our relationship with God, similar to a conversation with a close loved one or friend: the more we converse, the more we trust, the more we reveal, the more we are in union. Same with God, the more we pray, the more we listen, the more we respond, the closer we are united to our good shepherd.  The nearer we are to Christ, the greater we are formed to echo his voice and open the doors of faith by our witness.

Witness (Jn 13)

Let not this word intimidate you but rather, be assured by your life in Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit you are able to open the doors of faith for others. Our testimonies are unique and personal as we witness God’s plan for salvation. This is simply accomplished by following the words of Jesus spoken at the Last Supper: “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:34-35). 

Love for one another. Wanting and working for the good of the other is love. Our witness to the good news is anchored in our love of God and love for one another. What other virtue would drive St. Paul, St. Barnabas and others to risk their lives for the sake of the Gospel?  As we love, we imitate the one who is love. All virtues flow from the foundation of love: faith, hope, temperance, justice, prudence, fortitude, etc. “The fruits of love are joy, mercy and peace, friendship, communion … Love itself is the fulfillment of all our works … This is why we run toward it, and in it we shall find rest” (Catechism 1829). Let your witness be rooted in God’s love. 

Open wide the doors

As  St. John Paul II spoke during his inaugural address on Oct. 22, 1978, “Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power. Help the pope and all those who wish to serve Christ and with Christ’s power to serve the human person and the whole of mankind. Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.” Amen.

Dow is the director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Baton Rouge