THE GREAT AND JOYFUL COMMISSION | KAIROS GLOBAL | MAY 2024

Author: Anto Puthur

Intro: Anto Puthur dives deep into Church documents on evangelisation and what the popes have spoken about it.

The Year of Faith declared by Pope Benedict was officially opened with Holy Mass on 11th October 2012 at St Peter’s Square. The very next day, the Jesus Youth International Leaders Gathering was inaugurated by the late Archbishop Abraham Viruthukulangara in Rome. We had the opportunity to attend the inaugural Holy Mass by Pope Benedict. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and reverence, amplified by the synod on new evangelisation and the celebration of the 50th jubilee of the Second Vatican Council. Just before the commencement of the Holy Mass and the procession of dignitaries, the tolling of bells resonated through the square. A gentle announcement followed, urging us to contemplate the Church's journey over the past 50 years since the groundbreaking Second Vatican Council.

As the square fell into a reverent silence, I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. The years of wisdom, timely actions, and steadfast faith echoed in that moment of silence. It was as if we were all sheltered under the motherly embrace of the Church, experiencing her providential care and gentle guidance. Tears welled up, not just from me but from many around, touched by the profound significance of the moment.

The journey of evangelisation finds its compass in foundational Church documents that outline the mission and vision of spreading the gospel. The Second Vatican Council's document Ad Gentes emphasises the essential nature of evangelisation, calling it ‘the grace and vocation proper to the Church’ (Ad Gentes, 2). It underscores the Church's duty to proclaim Christ's message to all peoples, embracing diverse cultures and contexts with love and respect. Ad Gentes Divinitus underscores the universal call to proclaim the Good News and invites Catholics to embrace their role as witnesses and ambassadors of Christ's love and salvation.

Building upon this foundation, Pope Paul VI's landmark exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi further articulates the dynamic nature of evangelisation, stressing that it is not just about words but about the witness of life. He beautifully expresses, ‘Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses’ (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 41). This profound insight reminds us that evangelisation is a holistic endeavour, encompassing both proclamation and living the gospel in everyday life.

‘The Church is an evangeliser, but she begins by being evangelised herself’ (Evangelii Nuntiandi). The Church's mission of evangelisation starts from within, as she first experiences the transformative power of the gospel in her own life. Only by being deeply rooted in faith and actively living out its principles can the Church effectively carry out her role as an evangeliser to the world.

Pope St John Paul II, known for his extensive travels akin to Saint Paul's journeys, covered thousands of kilometres (approximately 1,184,312 kms) connecting people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, to spread the good news. His encyclical Redemptoris Missio (The Mission of the Redeemer), published in 1990, emphasises the Church's missionary imperative and the critical need for evangelisation, particularly in a world marked by cultural diversity and rapid change.

Missionary zeal, a term commonly used within the Jesus Youth circle, resonates powerfully with its dual meaning—it evokes both a passionate commitment and a sense of sealing one's faith. Missionary zeal, as emphasised in Redemptoris Missio, is rooted in a deep love for Christ and a burning desire to share his message of salvation with all people. It is a call to courageously go forth and proclaim the Gospel, transcending boundaries of culture, language, and geography. It is not just a duty but a joyful response to the Great Commission, echoing the words of St Paul: Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16).

Pope Benedict XVI's contributions in documents on evangelisation are notable, particularly in his apostolic exhortation Verbum Domini which emphasises the vital role of the Word of God in the Church's life and evangelistic efforts. It encourages a deep engagement with Scripture, both in personal prayer and in the liturgical life of the Church, as a means of encountering Christ and sharing his message with others.

In his encyclical Caritas in Veritate, Pope Benedict XVI highlights the inseparable connection between charity, truth, and evangelisation. He calls for a holistic approach to social justice that includes proclaiming the gospel message in word and deed. These contributions reflect Pope Benedict XVI's emphasis on the centrality of faith, Scripture, and charity in the Church's mission of evangelisation.

Pope Francis's writings, including his recent book A Good Life, serve as guiding lights that steer the world toward the shores of peace and compassion. In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis emphasises the transformative power of joy in sharing the Gospel and calls for a renewed missionary zeal. Laudato Si addresses environmental issues within the context of integral ecology, highlighting the interconnectedness of humanity and creation. Misericordiae Vultus, the papal bull inaugurating the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, resonated profoundly across the globe as people embraced its message of mercy and compassion, which was particularly timely and relevant in fostering a culture of encounter, reconciliation, and renewal within both the Church and society. Fratelli Tutti focuses on fraternity, social friendship, and the common good, advocating for solidarity and dialogue among peoples. Amoris Laetitia delves into pastoral challenges related to family life, emphasising the significance of love, forgiveness, and accompaniment.

In his influential document Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Pope Francis presents a challenging perspective on the role of the Church in today's world. He famously declares, ‘I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting, and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.’ This statement encapsulates his vision of a Church that actively engages with the challenges and realities of contemporary society. Pope Francis urges believers to move beyond comfort zones and embrace a Church that is present in the midst of human struggles, offering healing, compassion, and hope. The quote underscores the importance of outreach, solidarity, and courageous love, echoing Christ's own ministry of reaching out to the marginalised and vulnerable. It challenges Christians to prioritise mission and service over self-preservation, advocating for a Church that is dynamic, responsive, and deeply connected to the lives of people.

The root of evangelisation in Catholicism finds its depth and direction in a rich tapestry of documents that encapsulate the Church's teachings and mission. These documents serve as foundational pillars, guiding believers in their journey of spreading the Gospel message. Rooted in Scripture, tradition, and the wisdom of Church leaders, these documents offer invaluable insights into the essence of evangelization and its significance in the life of faith.

The wisdom contained within these documents reflects the collective discernment of the Church's leaders, including popes, councils, and synods, throughout history. By studying and reflecting on these documents, we gain a deeper appreciation of the Church's mission and their personal responsibility in spreading the message of salvation. It is through this rootedness in Catholic documents that evangelisation finds its strength, clarity, and enduring relevance in the modern world.

Anto L Puthur is the CEO of Gaudete Productions, a media production house.