“You are ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people he claims for his own to proclaim the glorious works’ of the One who called you from the darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Pt 2:9).
“Go out to all the world and tell the Good News” (Mk 16:15). “He wants everyone to be saved and reach full knowledge of the truth” (1 Tm 2:4). APOSTLE: A Person Officially Sent To Love Everyone.
“What you did for the least of my brothers and sisters you did for me” (Mt 25:40).
“The laity derive the right and duty with respect to the apostolate from their union with Christ their Head. Incorporated into Christ’s Mystical Body through baptism and strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit through confirmation, they are assigned to the apostolate by the Lord himself. They are consecrated into a royal priesthood and a holy people in order that they may offer spiritual sacrifice through everything they do, and may witness to Christ throughout the world. For their part, the sacraments, especially the most holy Eucharist, communicate and nourish that charity which is the soul of the entire apostolate” (Vatican II Document: “Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity”).
”The disciple did not seek divine wisdom solely for his own benefit, but as a means of helping and guiding his people. The same apostolic dimension exists today, in an even broader scope. God still comes ‘through’ individuals, not just ‘to’ them, and there is a need for willing, spiritually committed souls as ‘channels,’ ‘messengers,’ ‘witnesses,’ ‘lamps,’ or ‘carriers’ of God’s love and light to a world sorely in need, a ‘spiritual priesthood’ which is ordained by God.
“All men and women are called to participate, in varying degrees, in this ministry of ‘spiritual priesthood’ and are meant to be ‘living Eucharists,’ aiding and encouraging one another’s spiritual growth. This inner transmission of Spirit, prompted by God from the soul’s depths, is accomplished by reflecting our unique Divine Image to one another.
“God does not desire the destruction of the world, but longs to heal and restore it, then unite His children to Himself. In this He expects their cooperation and participation as ‘laborers in the vineyards’ or ‘good stewards’” (Finding the Mystic Within You, by Peggy Wilkinson, OCDS).
“Let your light shine before others that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly Father” (Mk 5:16).
“Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary use words” (St. Francis of Assisi).
When the opportunity arises to share the Good News in words, use the indirect approach in the following manner: First, interiorly claim openness on the part of yourself and the one(s) with whom you are going to share to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Then simply say you heard or read something that you really found helpful. For example, simply explain the Faith-Love Principle and/or give them a copy of the booklet.
“Be brave; I have conquered the world” (Jn 16:33). APPLY THE FLP!