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Community and Discernment: Engaging with your Faithful Community

  • Writer: RALEIGH KENNETH GRUTAS
    RALEIGH KENNETH GRUTAS
  • May 8, 2024
  • 4 min read

Participating in the sound and moral action of the divine community can truly mutualize the conversion of human and spiritual beings of a person. These include Attending Mass, joining campus ministries, participating in charity and other spiritual activities. This engages with the Papal Document of "Gaudete et Exsultate," which calls for the holiness of the modern world from Pope Francis. Pope Francis invites us to recognize holiness in ordinary people, such as the calling of the "middle class of holiness." These faithful live their Christian lives quietly, persevering in love, patience, and service. They are the ones that we call our neighbors, friends, and family members.


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The path to holiness is not solitary but instead, it flourishes in the ties of society. The faithful who carry out their Christian lives quietly, enduring in love, patience, and service, are the "saints next door," as Pope Francis calls us to realize. The faithfulness of ordinary believers becomes the source of the holiness of the Church militant, and the Church itself is transformed into a community of saints. We take part in this shared path toward holiness when we interact with people, provide for one another, and encourage one another. The process of seeking God's will and making decisions that fit His purpose is called discernment. Every person has a distinct mission in life, reflecting a particular facet of the gospel. Using discernment, we identify our purpose and faithfully carry it out. Whether called to a specific vocation, married life, or the consecrated life, holiness is demonstrated by our delight and dedication. Moreover, discernment serves as a reminder that holiness involves active interaction with the world rather than retreating from it. We walk the path to holiness by striking a balance between solitude and community, prayer and action, and reflection and interaction.



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Attending the Holy Mass for us to become Holy

  • Pope Francis reminds us in "Gaudete et Exsultate" that Jesus calls us to be saints, not content with imperfection. He desires for us to embrace happiness and real life. One of the main ways we answer this invitation is by going to Holy Mass, as it is a duty and a chance to get to know God and become more holy. The Catholic Catechism refers to the Mass as the "source and summit of the Christian life." We partake in the same sacrifice Jesus made on the cross when attending Mass, which turns into a time of harmony with God and other Christians.


  • The Mass is not a repetition of Christ’s sacrifice; rather, it is a re-presentation of that one sacrifice. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the actions of Christ on Calvary become present and available to us during the Eucharist. Mass attendance should inspire us to look for God's presence in our everyday lives rather than being a stand-alone act. Like St. Josemaría Escrivá, we might incorporate our religion into our daily activities, striving to make every day "totally Eucharistic."



Participating into the Campus Ministries to Build up Service and Love to God

  • Campus ministries typically foster the student community by offering a place for community, introspection, and prayer. Students engage in service by actively participating, whether by planning activities, volunteering, or helping other students. Holiness is a communal undertaking that flourishes in the context of community, and serving others in a ministry setting advances our holiness. Every person has a distinct mission in life, reflecting one specific aspect of the gospel. Opportunities to carry out this objective are provided via Campus Ministries. Students participate in the Church's ministry by teaching Bible studies, planning retreats, or being there for individuals. Using discernment is necessary when working in ministry as the students need to rethink their involvement in prayer and seek God's will.

  • Pope Francis highlights happiness as a mark of spirituality. Spiritual warfare entails remaining vigilant, having faith in God, and steering clear of spiritual degradation, this continuous struggle has a context provided by Campus Ministries. Students who engage in Campus Ministries with zeal and excitement make people happy, serving with joy spreads to others and draws them nearer to God.



Engaging in Acts of Charity and other Spiritual Activities

  • Holiness requires both religious activities and acts of kindness; it shows how we react to the grace and love of God. The Charitable acts, such as feeding the hungry, caring for the ill, or offering consolation to the bereaved, elevate us. Lovingly helping others is how we become more like Christ and holy, as Charitable deeds demand persistence. We can tolerate the vulnerability and boundaries of others when we are patient and gentle, as the formation of pleasure should accompany acts of charity. A cheerful heart uplifts both the giver and the receiver, and having a sense of humor allows us to handle life's challenges gracefully. A fervent dedication to God's mission drives our quest for purity.

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  • Charity deeds frequently occur in a community; serving one another improves our relationships and expands our faith. Prayer, meditation, and contemplation are examples of spiritual practices that can be easily performed by the majority. Prayer regularly strengthens our relationship with God. Spiritual pursuits and charitable deeds are prerequisites for holiness; they cannot be skipped. God calls us to be saints, and we answer his call by serving others, praying, and practicing our faith.

 
 
 

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