Lay Life in a Year

52 Reflections on JPII's vision for the Laity

Week 18: Continuing Christ’s Mission

You may have heard St. Paul’s shocking words: “We make up for what is lacking in the suffering of Christ.” (Col. 1:24) Is he saying Jesus isn’t enough?

It’s a bit like when my 4 year old helps me cook. Well, he feels like he’s helping, but mostly I let him add some ingredients. It always makes a mess, but you should see his face light up. It’s just pure joy.

The thing is, I ask him to help because it’s good for him, not for me.

The work of Jesus Christ was perfect. In fact, that perfect offering was the only way to bridge the infinite gap between God and man. Nothing more is needed or could possibly make it more perfect.

However, God chose to include us in that plan. He doesn’t just allow us to participate. He requires it. As St. Augustine put it, “God who created you without you, will not save you without you.”

It isn’t just make believe. God actually left some of the work undone. That’s why the Church exists. The entire purpose of the Church can be summed up: to continue the mission of Christ as priest, prophet, and king for the salvation of the world.

Wow. That’s a huge responsibility.

So what does that mean for me? Well, everything!

We’ll see that next time.

Lay Life in a Year Overview

Read the original: CFL Introduction, No. 14
Last week: Temples of the Spirit
Next week: Sharers in the Priestly Mission

Week 36 – An Unexpected Discovery from 1979

Oct 6, 2024

When I was a kid, my dad was obsessed with one particular VHS tape—it was like some secret treasure from the past. He held it out with a grin and said, “Now I’ll show you what basketball is supposed to look like.” It was the 1979 NCAA championship game—Larry Bird vs....

Week 35: Answering God’s Call—Even in the Small Things

Sep 27, 2024

It was a regular Wednesday—sun shining, birds chirping—and there I was: 15 years old, grumbling as I stood over the lawnmower. Mom had asked me to mow the lawn, and like most teenagers, I dragged my feet. The job seemed pointless and hot, and honestly, I’d rather be...

Week 34: Overlooked at the Parish?

Sep 21, 2024

Do you ever feel like your dedication to the parish is taken for granted? As we get involved at our local Church, we find disregard more frequently than appreciation as we give our time, talent, and treasure. After pouring in our heart and soul, we are left...