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Dominican Preaching Archive

A CALL TO LIGHT THE WORLD WITH TRUTH

by Sr. Brenda Walsh, Racine Dominican

     In the Gospel of Mark, Ch. 5: 14-16, a clear path is laid out for us as followers of Jesus: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither does anyone light a candle and put it under a bushel. It must be set on a stand to give light to the whole house.   Let your light shine before all so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Heavenly Father.”  Pentecost is a good time to review our call to be light-bearers and to renew our commitment to accomplishing the mission.

     When we look around and beyond us, we see a world often wallowing in darkness and desperately in need of light. We hear stories of wars, murders, abuse of every kind, and especially neglect of faith. In many communities people are searching for spiritual food and not finding it.  It is our commission, working in the Power of the Spirit, to remove the obstacles and allow the divine light to replace the darkness. Each one of us has been given unique gifts and abilities, and we are assured in Scripture that “God’s Spirit working in us and through us will enable us to do infinitely more than we dare ask or imagine.”

What are some things we can do to fulfill our mission and bring God’s Light and Truth to our often dark and dreary world?

     The first requirement is to go deep within, clear our own minds and hearts, to allow the Spirit of God the freedom to work in us and through us. We can gather in small groups and share the particular gifts the participants have been given and give thanks. The next step is to identify ways in which people could use their gifts to let the light of the Spirit shine through each one. Identify places where their gifts could be used effectively.  People can get involved  in naming   some of the untruths they see and hear portrayed in the media. A few examples are that an accumulation of wealth can bring security and happiness; war is the answer in addressing global conflict ;  power, control and privilege are our right - the right of one group to have power over another.  Then, pick an area where members of the group could make a difference. Call on the Spirit for guidance along the path chosen. The witness of our own lives and how we live our faith are good ways to be light-bearers at this time and to let the light of Truth enlighten our darkened world.

     Evangelization is our first priority. An important way to do this is by the example of our own lives, in contrast to the world around us. We are called to do this without compromise. We cannot let fear deter us from following our call to be Light and Truth-bearers. It could be fear of criticism, fear of losing our income in the church collection-basket at the Sunday service or fear of losing our good name or position of authority. God does not guarantee a life without trouble if we preach the truth. We are called to preach the whole truth and to be bold champions of the truth. It is wrong to refrain from truth-telling because of our fear. We cannot put our light under a bushel for fear of letting it shine. We pay the price as Jesus did and we move on to accomplish our mission.

     The Spirit will enable us to be true followers and light bearers wherever we go. We live ln a world waiting to be reborn, a church and world using God’s blue print, and then we can bring the Light of Truth to our world. The Spirit is given to each of us to continue God’s mission here on earth. In small groups we can study ways to address the social issues that need to be seriously examined, in order to restore God’s image to our world - issues such as human trafficking, racism and White power and privilege, care for creation, lack of needed resources to address poverty and many more. Then we can provide training to effectively address the issues and to reach out in service to the poor and disenfranchised that are all around us and beyond us.

      Together we can help prepare for the full coming of the Spirit into our own lives and to fan into flame the divine energy in church and world. Reliance on the power of the Spirit is the only successful foundation for this endeavor, to ready the soil for new growth and a new Springtime in the church.   Together we can imagine what a renewed church and world would look like and then work diligently to make it happen. May the Holy Spirit breathe courage into our minds and hearts, Like the early apostles, who were filled with fear, the Spirit came and breathed on them and they were filled with courage and hope and they preached the Gospel without fear. The same can happen in our lives.

     We pray that we will be open to a new Pentecost in the church. This is God’s call to each of us, regardless of age, sex or condition. We have abundant opportunities to accomplish this. Christ has handed on the Mission to each of us. Now is the acceptable time to put it into practice. Together we can imagine what a re-evangelized church and world would be and work together to make it a reality.  No effort is too small to make a difference. Come, Holy Spirit, and renew our own lives, and the church and world.


 

Dominican Preaching Archive

Preaching is at the heart of the Dominican vocation. The Dominican Leadership Conference claims for all members of the Dominican Family the right to preach, and commits itself to the struggle this claim entails. The injustices of our day compel us to place the charism of preaching at the service of the poor and powerless. The Dominican prophetic message, rooted in experience, study and prayer, will move both preachers and hearers of the word to act for the transformation of oppressive structures. The Conference on its part will act corporately, confronting evil with the Gospel and working for the construction of a just world order.

We embrace the mission of preaching for justice with a commitment to act in collaboration with one another and all those with and among whom we minister

------Dominican Leadership Conference

(The latest additions are shown first.  Click on an article title below to view it.)


• A Call to Light the World With Truth •
• A Harvest of Thanksgiving •
• Blessed Are the Peacemakers •
• DOMINICAN PREACHER •
• Dominic's Daring Dream •
• Dominic, Preacher of Grace •
• Inside Darkness - The Film •
• Acquiring Legal Status Under Fedral Immigration Law •
• Living With Integrity •
• MILITARY SPENDING ROBS PEOPLE IN NEED OF BASIC HUMAN RESOURCES •
• Preaching Participation •
• Reclaiming the Gift of Prophetic Preaching •
• The Call And the Challenge To Address Racism •
• United Nations •
• WE ARE ALL CALLED TO CONTINUE OUR J0URNEY AS PEACE-MAKERS •
• WE ARE CALLED TO LIVE THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL •