The Gulf is Wide and Deep
Solemnly Promulgated by his Holiness, Pope Paul VI – Vatican II
In this decree the Council seeks to describe the nature, character, and diversity of the lay apostolate, to state its basic principles, and to give pastoral directive for its more effective exercise.
“33. The most holy council, then, earnestly entreats all the laity in the Lord to answer gladly, nobly, and promptly the more urgent invitation of Christ in this hour and the impulse of the Holy Spirit. . . . the Lord renews his invitation to all the laity to come closer to Him every day, recognizing that what is His is also their own (Phil. 2:5), to associate themselves with Him in His saving mission. Once again he sends them into every town and place where He will come (cf. Luke 10:1) so that they may show that they are co-workers in the various forms and modes of the one apostolate of the Church, which must be constantly adapted to the new needs of our times. Ever productive as they should be in the work of the Lord, they know that their labour in Him is not in vain (cf. 1 Cor. 15:58)”
UPDATE – Tuesday, April 22
I have had some questions as to what the heck this posting is about. I agree, it is a tad vague regarding where I am going with it. I really wonder why it is that people will ask me this in person and not pose the question on this blog. The blog is here for a reason.
I think some people are just shy about posting in public. I think some people are afraid of getting “in trouble”.
I find that troubling in itself. But perhaps that is a topic for another posting.
This posting is the concluding paragraph of the Decree of Apostolicam Actuositatem, the laity’s role in the church. It is very hopeful about the value of the labour that the laity offers with respect to the mission of the church. The Decree has much to say about our role. It might be a interesting resource for St Gerard Majella, at this juncture.
Our participation in the sacraments and liturgy sustains us in our journey “in the world”. On the other hand, our experience “in the world” has much to offer our church. It is my personal observation that the wisdom the laity has to offer the church in the practical issues of management, finance and planning are, very often, dismissed by clergy.
The gulf between the laity and the clergy is wide and deep, from where I sit. That hurts us both. This may be very presumptuous, but I hazard to say that, in general, the laity expect far too much from the clergy, and the clergy is far too dismissive of the role (and may I say, the expertise) of the laity.
I ask you, St. Gerard Majella parishioner, does this make sense? We have had a second pastor disappear before our eyes will no explanation and deafening silence. What does that say to you? Is it true, as people have said to me, that St. Gerard Majella parish is hard on our pastors?
This blog is intended to be a work in Christ – a modern one, sure, but a valid one. This labour is not in vain, as long as the church (read ‘ you and I’ ) has the fortitude to use it.
