Catholic Laity, What Should They Do?

In the course of history, the use of temporal things has been marred by serious vices. Affected by original sin, men have frequently fallen into many errors concerning the true God, the nature of man, and the principles of the moral law. This has led to the corruption of morals and human institutions and not rarely to contempt for the human person himself. In our own time, moreover, those who have trusted excessively in the progress of the natural sciences and the technical arts have fallen into an idolatry of temporal things and have become their slaves rather than their masters. (Apostolicam Actuositatem, Chapter 2, Section 7)

>> WOW! <<

Where did that come from? It came from the Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, APOSTOLICAM ACTUOSITATEM. My last blog post covered the 1st chapter, on the vocations for laity. (check it out – Laity in the Catholic Church)

The quote above comes from chapter 2, on the objectives of the Catholic Laity. Let’s look at the first two sentences of the chapter.

5. Christ’s redemptive work, while essentially concerned with the salvation of men, includes also the renewal of the whole temporal order. Hence the mission of the Church is not only to bring the message and grace of Christ to men but also to penetrate and perfect the temporal order with the spirit of the Gospel. (Apostolicam Actuositatem, Chapter 2, Section 5)

There are plenty of opportunities for us to share our faith, and encourage our family, friends and neighbors to a life with Christ. The Church calls us to keep our faith, spread the “Good News”, and do good works, in order that those in our environment might notice. Our very Christians lives and daily activities among our families, friends, neighbors, and co-workers is a living testimony.

In the decree, on this chapter, the Gospel of Matthew is quoted; ”Even so let your light shine before men in order that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

In the Catechism, Catholic laity are shown to be a core piece in the Lord’s plan;  ”Christ . . . fulfills this prophetic office, not only by the hierarchy . . . but also by the laity. He accordingly both establishes them as witnesses and provides them with the sense of the faith [sensus fidei] and the grace of the word” (CCC 904)

 I share these encouraging words, so that you might also share these words.

Sometimes our brothers and sisters in Christ might need a little boost in their “Sensus Fidei”,… sense of the Faith, or even sense of the faithful. We, the Catholic Laity, should be constantly be looking for those non-practicing or “lukewarm” individuals of our parishes. We will be their brother’s keeper!

Let’s look at one more section, chapter two of APOSTOLICAM ACTUOSITATEM. Let’s see how today these words written in 1965 and presented to the laity in the Catholic Church, effect us as we strive to reach the goals given to us by our Holy Fathers throughout the years, as they promoted the evangelization of the Digital Age, using the new technologies of the media and social communications.

 At the present time, with the development of more rapid facilities for communication, with the barrier of distance separating men greatly reduced, with the inhabitants of the entire globe becoming one great family, these charitable activities and works have become more urgent and universal. ( Apostolicam Actuositatem, Chapter 2, Section 8 )

Yes, the Church is calling us. A universal urgency of using New Media to evangelize the world, just as the message Brandon Vogt and the individuals that share their testimony to us, in the new book “The Church and New Media”. They heard their calling and have responded to what our Church elders have been describing to use for years,…

We the Laity must come to the Church’s aid and use our knowledge, wisdom, and strength in a manner where our piety, study, and action can be viewed, honored, respected and adored by others.

Something to ponder, something to pray.

Stay Holy,

MidsouthCatholic
(SEOtechbench)