|
The purpose
of this gathering was primarily to cross-pollinate these leadership
groups as a larger representation of the charismatic renewal. The
entire time spent together was aimed at getting to know one another at
meals, free time, and the gatherings.
This year,
a teaching on evangelization by Fr. William Delaney was a very thorough
and thought provoking presentation. Small, diversified sharing groups
discussed their reflections and experiences of evangelization.
Fr. Bill’s
teaching centered on five main texts: Vatican II documents from 1962 to
1965, the 1974 Synod on Evangelization, the 1975 Apostolic Exhortation,
Evangelii Nuntiandi, by Pope Paul VI, the 1980 Encyclical Letter,
Redemptoris Missio, by Pope John Paul II, and Move It Out by
Fr. Tom Forrest.
The Vatican
II documents made the church ready to proclaim the gospel, more fully
rooted for a new period of evangelization. The 1974 Synod asked three
questions: Where is the power of the Good News? What methods open up
the gospels? How does the church see its responsibility to share the
Good News for the needs of the missionary period of evangelization?
The answers
were found and rooted in the power of Pentecost. A new proclamation of
the power of Pentecost is needed to allow the Holy Spirit to touch and
change lives through conversion and setting priorities. The Lord
touches, people witness. People are called and sent. People, as
Church, need to own it, and live in the power of Pentecost. St. Francis
said, “An ignorant preacher is more dangerous than sin.” Consequently,
there is the need for prayer, study, listening, walking as disciples of
Jesus, and dying to self where and when necessary, praying and
interceding more for boldness, than for protection.
The first
three centuries were called the “Age of Martyrs.” They knew that the
Good News was worth more than life itself. Fr. Bill remarked that he
believes that Islam will fall by the blood of Christian martyrs.
This
gathering was a worthwhile and blessed experience for the family of God.
Lord
Jesus, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, hearts to respond, and courage
to proclaim our life in You!
(Arlene Apone is the Liaison for the Archdiocese of Detroit, Michigan,
and the director of the Detroit Catholic Charismatic Renewal Center)
|
