This weekend at Mass, the Gospel of Matthew offers us an opportunity to join Peter, James, and John as they climb Mount Tabor and see Jesus as he becomes radiant in glory right before their eyes (Matthew 17:1-9). At this pivotal moment of transfiguration, the disciples see the true nature of Jesus: both human and divine; bathed in God’s grace and glory; embodiment of both temporal and eternal life, and bridge between heaven and earth. His clothing becomes brightest white. His face gleams like sunshine. He is altered, changed, elevated, transformed, made beautiful, and rendered luminous. This encounter with the transfigured Jesus confirms what the disciples believe and strengthens what they know: Jesus is the Son of the Most High God.

Although we encounter the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist, most of us will not be blessed by a miraculous encounter like the transfiguration. So much of what we know about the Living Jesus comes to us from books, scripture, homilies, and faith formation programs. And so much of our knowledge with the Living Gospel can seem indirect, sometimes even impersonal. Or is it? Is this really true? A few months ago, I was asked by a bishop about whether or not we had any “missionary disciples” in our parishes. Sadly, I stumbled over the answer. I even may have been somewhat defensive. But recently, I was truly blessed to grow in appreciation and understanding about the true meaning of missionary discipleship.

Pope Francis describes the missionary disciple as someone who takes initiative, takes the first step, goes out among the people, meets them at the crossroads, welcomes the stranger, and gives witness to the Good News of Christ. By this, Pope Francis does not necessarily mean a street preacher. He is talking about members of the Legion of Mary who bring light into the shadowlands of a memory care unit, nursing home, or the home of a lonely friend. He is talking about members of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society who bring food and warm clothing to needy families in our very own neighborhoods without judgment or scorn.

When Pope Francis speaks again and again about missionary disciples, he is talking about the members of the Holy Family Cevicos Mission who pack suitcases with basic necessities that we take for granted, travel thousands of miles to a poor village in the Dominican Republic, and share these things and their love with poor children. He is talking about members of the Assisi Project who journey across the world to walk in the footsteps of Saint Francis and come home inspired to rebuild the Church, stone by stone, soul by soul. When Pope Francis speaks about missionary disciples, he is talking about anyone who gives generously, anyone who prays faithfully, and anyone who serves all of God’s children with love, without counting the cost.

The Holy Father refers to his close co-workers in the Lord’s vineyard as “collaborators.” One of his favorite collaborators is Bishop Gustavo Carrara, the so-called “Slum Bishop” of Buenos Aries. Bishop Carrara says: “Too often the Church thinks of people who evangelize as professionals with certificates…But the one really necessary qualification is encounter. To have had an encounter with God’s mercy and to lead others there; that’s what is means to be a missionary disciple.” In this way, each one of us is empowered to do some small good, some unique good that brings Christ into the lives of God’s family. Pope Francis reminds us that “Jesus did not proselytize. He accompanied. Closeness was the program.” As our Lenten journey continues, let us consider what we might do (alone or together, by prayer or direct action) to help others meet the Living Jesus and grow closer to him. Let us be missionary disciples!

Cliff Garvey
Associate Minister
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: cgarvey@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (3-8-20) 
Bringing Home the Word (3-8-20) 
Watch: The Pope Video (March 2020)

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