Apr 16 Tue
Apostolate comes as a consequence of charity.
The whole of Jesus Christ's life speaks to us eloquently of the value that souls have in God's eyes and of his great love for them. God continues to show that love through the miracle of the Resurrection, and even after Christ's Ascension into heaven. “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place ... And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
The Holy Spirit, the Love of God, is the driving force of the apostolate. How would it be possible to love God without at the same time loving those who are his children? “If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” Fraternal charity knows no limits. It should constantly move us to be concerned about the others, and to love them in an active and effective way, which is both supernatural and apostolic.
“Our Christian vocation, this calling which our Lord makes to each of us personally, leads us to become identified with him. But we should not forget that he came on earth to redeem everyone, because he wishes all men to be saved. There is not a single soul in whom Christ is not interested. Each soul has cost him the price of his Blood."
We must feel strongly urged to bring everyone before our Lord, and place them at his feet: those who are close to us, and the millions of others whom we do not yet know. “Yours is only a small love if you are not zealous for the salvation of all souls. Yours is only a poor love if you are not eager to inflame other apostles with your madness."
The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few: realize the urgency and greatness of this task. Many people remain indifferent, unaware of God's care for them. This was the misfortune of the multitude that witnessed Christ's Passion; and it is the case whenever huge crowds turn their back on God's love.
“Lord! Where are your friends? Your subjects, where are they? They have left you. This running away has been going on for twenty centuries... We, all of us, flee from the Cross, from your Holy Cross. Blood, anguish, loneliness and an insatiable hunger for souls... these are the courtiers remaining around your royal throne."
“Apostolic zeal is a divine madness I want you to have, and it has these symptoms: hunger to know the Master; constant concern for souls; perseverance that nothing can shake." If we want to ensure that this apostolic zeal is not just a passing sentiment, but remains a constant need, we have to be closely united to our Lord.
Illustration: Icon Madonna Eleusa of Tenderness
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