Today the term ‘missions’ cannot be understood merely in geographical terms, as movement towards ‘mission lands’ like once upon a time, but is also to be understood in sociological, cultural terms and even in terms of our presence in the digital continent. So, mission ad gentes is wherever there is a need to proclaim the Gospel be it in Africa or Europe; in the jungles or in urban centres. Similarly, “there is a new awareness that missionary activity is a matter for all Christians, for all dioceses and parishes, Church institutions and associations” (Redemptoris Missio 2). Without mission ad gentes, the Salesian Congregation risks folding itself up into sterile introversion or end up in a state of paralysis and acedia! (Evangelii Gaudium 27, 81)
The Acts of the Apostles contain some important elements of mission ad gentes that serve as a guide for us today:
-Saul’s meeting with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus brought about a profound conversion (Acts 9). Jesus encountered Paul which totally transformed him. Christ is its necessary starting point and goal of mission ad gentes. It is for Christ, about Christ and by Christ.
-In St. Paul’s discourse at the Areopagus in Athens (Acts 17:16–34) he quoted from certain Greek philosophers and poets to introduce concepts such as the resurrection of the dead and salvation. This is a reminder that initial proclamation is closely inter-related to and the foundation of mission ad gentes.
-Witnessing Christ through an authentic Christian life was the central activity of first Christian community (Acts 2:44-45). Ad Gentes mission is necessarily accompanied by acts of genuine Christian goodness as well as actively seeking the means to free people, particularly the poor and marginalised, from whatever binds them and keeps them away from God.
-Philip’s activity was driven by the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:26, 29, 39). Thus, it is important that the agent of Ad Gentes Mission discerns the promptings of the Holy Spirit. It becomes fruitful when there is a recognition that the Spirit is at work in cultures, beliefs and hearts of people before our arrival. It is the Holy Spirt who directs, inspires and moves mission ad gentes forward. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is the principal agent of mission (Redemptoris Missio 21).
-Pentecost came about as a result of prayer in the upper room (Acts 1:13-14). Miracles and healing too occurred through prayer (Acts 3:1-18; 28:8). Indeed, every missionary disciple necessarily lives a life immersed in prayer because it is through prayer that one finds the motivation, the strength, the wisdom, and the love to be committed to mission ad gentes.
For Reflection and Sharing:
How can I foster Ad Gentes mission where I live and work?
How much importance do I place on my witness of an authentic Christian life?
Fr. Alfred Maravilla SDB
General Councillor for Missions
