Discover the transformative power of shared faith in this compelling discussion from Fr. John Hardon’s archives. He argues that everyone is called to be a channel of grace and that our deepest need is to share God’s grace with others. Learn why embracing your role as a lay apostle is not just an option, but a fundamental obligation for salvation, and how your personal holiness directly impacts your ability to communicate faith and virtues to those around you.
This video, “Sharing the Faith with Others,” features Father John Hardon, S.J., discussing the Lay Apostolate and its crucial role in the Catholic Church. He emphasizes that the Catholic Church is facing its most serious crisis in 20 centuries, primarily a crisis of faith.
Key points from his talk include:
- The Lay Apostolate Document: Father Hardon highlights Vatican II’s document on the Lay Apostolate, noting it’s the “most neglected” of the 16 documents but essential for understanding the role of lay people in sharing faith.
- Channels of Grace: Lay individuals are called to be channels of grace to others, as God uses human beings as instruments to communicate grace. This is fundamental to charity, which means “giving to others what they need”.
- Hierarchy’s Role: The hierarchy, particularly the Pope, passes judgment on the authenticity of spiritual gifts and teachings to ensure they align with God’s divine will. Obedience to Church authority, even if bishops are not considered holy, is stressed as long as their teaching conforms to the Bishop of Rome.
- Fruitfulness of Apostolate: The effectiveness of the lay apostolate depends on how closely lay people are united with Christ. It’s an obligation to be a channel of grace, as “nobody gets to heaven alone” (8:50). The depth of one’s own faith determines how much faith can be communicated to others (9:26).
- Essential Virtues: Father Hardon explains how faith, hope, and charity are crucial for the lay apostolate, differing from Protestant interpretations, particularly regarding the nature of faith.
- Spirit of Poverty: Detachment from worldly possessions is essential for lay people to be free from the “slavery of riches” and to extend the kingdom of God.
- Practicing Beatitudes: Lay people are called to follow Jesus in poverty, striving to please God rather than men, and enduring persecution for proclaiming His name.
- Spirituality Differences: The practice of spirituality differs based on one’s state of life (e.g., married, single, widowed), with the family being the primary object of apostolate for married individuals.
- Model for Apostolic Life: The Blessed Virgin Mary is presented as the model for the apostolic life of the laity, having carried out home responsibilities while remaining united to her divine son. Father Hardon strongly recommends saying the rosary daily.
- Principal Mission: The main mission of the lay apostolate is to announce the message of Jesus Christ and communicate His grace, primarily through proclaiming the truth of God’s revealed word and providing sacraments.