“I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord, to go and bear fruit that will remain.” Jn 15:16

by Pope Francis, Extract from “Evangelii Gaudium”  |  10/08/2023  |  From the Clergy

The word of God constantly shows us how God challenges those who believe in him “to go forth”. Abraham received the call to set out for a new land. Moses heard God’s call: “Go, I send you” and led the people towards the promised land. To Jeremiah God says: “To all whom I send you, you shall go”.

The Gospel joy which enlivens the community of disciples is a missionary joy. The seventy-two disciples felt it as they returned from their mission. Jesus felt it when he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and praised the Father for revealing himself to the poor and the little ones. It was felt by the first converts who marveled to hear the apostles preaching “in the native language of each” on the day of Pentecost. This joy is a sign that the Gospel has been proclaimed and is bearing fruit.

In fidelity to the example of the Master, it is vitally important for the Church today to go forth and preach the Gospel to all: to all places, on all occasions, without hesitation, reluctance or fear.