The liturgy for the 15th Sunday in OT, Year B gives us a composite picture of the agents of evangelization. The first reading (from Amos) highlights the motivational side of evangelization: "God has picked me out and told me 'You go and speak...'" The second reading is gives us the summary content of evangelization. The text from St. Paul is a berakah, [?note:http://biblista.albertesmeralda.com/eph1_3-14 a blessing, an exclamation of thanksgiving and joy]. Those who evangelize do not primarily teach the way teachers do; they proclaim to the world what gives them joy, consolation and courage in the face of danger. Read the article "And He Sent Them Out Two By Two" before proceeding:
The Gospel reading gives to us the basis for evangelization: a mission shared with the Apostles -- to be extensions of Christ's presence in the world.
1. "Christ invites his disciples to follow him ... By following him they acquire a new outlook on illness and the sick. Jesus associates them with his own life of poverty and illness. He makes them share in his ministry of compassion and healing..." (CCC, § 1506)
In what way to you participate in Christ's "ministry of compassion and healing?"
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a special way by which this ministry continues today. How do you help the priest carry out his task in this area?
2. "The Lord endowed his community with a structure that will remain until the Kingdom is fully achieved. Before all else, there is the choice of the Twelve with Peter as head. Representing the Twelve tribes of Israel, they are the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem (CCC § 765)
- Our faith is "apostolic", handed down from the apostles to us. When you recite the Apostles' Creed, you are actually reciting the "Symbolum", the "memory aid" for the "good deposit" the Church has received and continues to pass on to all Christian generations.
- How have you been cultivating the faith entrusted to you?
3. The Church, under the direction of the Apostles and their legitimate successors has been sent out to drive the demons of society away, to give healing, to proclaim the Gospel of Christ's victory over sin and death. When you received the sacrament of Confirmation you became a professional witness of the faith and an agent in the mission of the apostles.
In what particular way do you carry out your task
