The Lay Faithful: We Are the Church also But It Can Be Shown in Many Ways

By Br. Raymond de Penyfort
 
In Christifidelis Laici, the document of His Holiness John Paul II relating to the role of the Laity, we as laymen are also called to go into the vineyard (the world) [Mt 20:1-16].  The whole world is to be transformed.  Today, however, as never before, we must be cognizant of our role.
 
The document speaks of the PLACE where lives the laity, men and women in every position and walk of life.  For us as Lay Dominicans, the challenge is even more apparent since we already are aware that we must PRAY, Study, be together in Community and Evangelize.  I would suggest that the PLACE implies the time and when and where we must be especially conscious of that role.
 
Today we are going through incredibly difficult times and our Church needs us now more than ever.  The whole Church is being subjected to criticism, in large part due to poor behavior of its leaders; therefore, how must we, the laity, evangelize in this feverish climate?
 
I feel that at this time, it is wise to step back and realize that we are understandably shocked and dismayed and want to see justice done.  It may be difficult for lay people to know what to say or do, but let us continue to pray for the poor unfortunate victims and that this never happens again.
 
In the meantime, I wish to concentrate on other issues that many of us average Catholics face in whatever the forum—the PLACE.  We must continue to emphasize our concern for one another in whatever way we can.  For instance, coming away from a discussion with two acquaintances at a health club who are both facing cancer and sickness, with a sincere “I’ll be praying for you” promise.  There is a novena at SS. Philip and James to St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients.  I have several Jewish friends who needed support because of losses of friends and relatives who have been consoled just by the fact that I took the time to listen.  I made a few telephone calls for someone whose relatives needed counseling, and I have recently made efforts in my own family to heal some past wounds between members.
 
My efforts have been ongoing but in none of these instances except one did I include an invitation to attend church—just yet.  But in all of these situations, the individuals have known that I’m Catholic and although not in heaven yet, I believe in my Church.
 
What I’m saying with all this is not to sing my own praises, but that if we can continue to try to show to others kindness and good works, it is because of our Christian beliefs that we are motivated and enabled to do so.  Corporal works of mercy can never stop for us.
 
During this time of trouble, I am reminded of an occasion when I was addressing a sad school board situation that was very divisive and quoted a meaningful poem that I learned as a school boy at Sacred Heart of Jesus School, by John Henry Newman:
             
              Lead kindly light amid the encircling gloom, lead thou me on.
              The night is dark and I am far from home, lead thou me on.
              Keep thou my feet, I do not ask to see
              The distant scene; one step is enough for me.

Image Source:​By Jacob Willemsz de Wet - The Yorck Project (2002) 10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei (DVD-ROM), distributed by DIRECTMEDIA Publishing GmbH. ISBN: 3936122202., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=160203