For the Sake of the Gospel

For the sake of gospel

We are called to

Love God

Carry our cross

Be a light to the world.

 

For the sake of the gospel

We are called to

Be salt of the earth

Follow Christ

Strive for God’s kingdom.

 

For the sake of the gospel

We are called to

Love our neighbour

To give our all

To labour generously.

 

For the sake of the gospel

We are called to

Sow seeds of hope

Be welcoming

Work for peace and justice.

 

For the sake of the gospel

We are called to

Embrace the dignity of all

Be nourished by the Bread of Life

Abide in the Holy Spirit.

For the sake of gospel (Mark 8.27-35) was the way St. Francis lived his life after his conversion. It was central to who he was and the decisions he made about his living and the fraternity of brothers that followed him. It was the gospel that propelled him into a deeper communion with God. It was the gospel that showed him the Christ whose very life Francis desired to be his all. The gospel is a powerful gift and tool which speaks to us and challenges us to a life-giving way of living. That being said it is not easy, it is not a life gift that comes fully assembled, it requires us to read the instructions, to assemble, to ask for guidance, to listen well, to start again. I guess what I’m trying to say is that gospel is relevant and demanding. If St. Francis could give his all for the sake of the gospel, because it was here that his life intersected with Christ, then why can’t we? What holds us back? Fear? Pride? The World? Judgement?

Being a follower of Christ like St. Francis is not about halos and ease, it is about reality. It is about the reality that the gospel calls us to each day; living in the world, encountering each other, hardships, joys, and decisions. It is about the reality that our lives are shaped for good because we are created good and the gospel nurtures this goodness. It is about the reality of reading, listening and taking to heart the words of the gospel to shape our living. It is about the reality that each day we are called to live for the sake of the gospel, to amplify the love of God into our world. The gift is ours, the challenge to follow Christ and to lose our lives for the sake of the gospel so as to truly have abundant life. St. Francis accepted the gift and encourages us to do the same reminding us in his Praises of God:  “You are our eternal life; great and wonderful Lord, Almighty God, Merciful Savior.” Truly this is our source for gospel living.