The Apostolic Church is the Church that is "sent out", the missionary
Church. So by extension, the faithful of the Apostolic Church are called
to be Apostles themselves.
But how does one become an Apostle? We need to have the direct and personal experience of the Lord. "that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you" says the Apostle John. Even St. Paul who came later, says about his gospel , he "did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it" but directly received it from the Lord Himself. What we have not experienced, we cannot communicate to others truthfully. Being a Christian in the true sense of the word is not at all easy -- "to take up the Cross and follow Him" kind of Way -- is tough indeed. It is one thing to try and be a Christian, its totally another to tell someone else, or guide someone else into this Way -- even if that someone is your own child. So even instilling the Truth of Christian life in your child is a tough task -- because you are asking that child to be ready to suffer for Christ. When we really think about it, how many would want their children to suffer -- even if for Christ? So unless we have the total conviction in this Way -- it is not really possible to bring up even our children as Christians. How then will we tell others? How then will we be "sent out" into the world? That is why first and foremost the first hand experience of Christ, a personal experience of Christ is crucial for the Apostle. If we have not experienced this yet, wait for it, it may not be yet time for you.
When we are making haste to reach out to others, let this be our prayer always -- "O Holy Spirit, Come" and do not leave the Church till He has come! And when He has Come, as the Lord said He "will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you." Then He will send us out - with the might, courage and power and food for the journey that He alone can provide. He will go ahead of you. Then truly the Church will become "Apostolic".
Ref: Divyabodhanam, Anthony De Mello.
(Feb 2013)
But how does one become an Apostle? We need to have the direct and personal experience of the Lord. "that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you" says the Apostle John. Even St. Paul who came later, says about his gospel , he "did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it" but directly received it from the Lord Himself. What we have not experienced, we cannot communicate to others truthfully. Being a Christian in the true sense of the word is not at all easy -- "to take up the Cross and follow Him" kind of Way -- is tough indeed. It is one thing to try and be a Christian, its totally another to tell someone else, or guide someone else into this Way -- even if that someone is your own child. So even instilling the Truth of Christian life in your child is a tough task -- because you are asking that child to be ready to suffer for Christ. When we really think about it, how many would want their children to suffer -- even if for Christ? So unless we have the total conviction in this Way -- it is not really possible to bring up even our children as Christians. How then will we tell others? How then will we be "sent out" into the world? That is why first and foremost the first hand experience of Christ, a personal experience of Christ is crucial for the Apostle. If we have not experienced this yet, wait for it, it may not be yet time for you.
When we are making haste to reach out to others, let this be our prayer always -- "O Holy Spirit, Come" and do not leave the Church till He has come! And when He has Come, as the Lord said He "will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you." Then He will send us out - with the might, courage and power and food for the journey that He alone can provide. He will go ahead of you. Then truly the Church will become "Apostolic".
Ref: Divyabodhanam, Anthony De Mello.
(Feb 2013)
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