Are We Assuming the Gospel?

‍burningheartsdisciples.org

Dear , ‍

A gentleman in his late 60s pulled me aside after an Alpha session and said, "I've been Catholic my whole life.  Catholic school.  Daily Mass.  And no one has ever explained to me that God truly loves me before."

He wasn't angry.  He was suprised.

And that's the problem. 

Many Catholics know how to act Catholic.  They know the prayers, the posture, the rhythm. 

But they have never heard the Gospel proclaimed in a way that invited a response. 

Lent strips us down and gives us the space to ask, Are we building ministry on activity... or on proclamation?

If Jesus is not clearly proclaimed – who He is, what He has done, and the invitation to respond – then we are building on the shifting sand of assumption.  

This week's reflection looks at why the kerygma cannot be assumed or implied – within our parishes or our own hearts.

For Leaders

If last week's "Why Mission Stalls" resonated with you, this is the next layyer.  

Mission doesn't stall because people are lazy.  

It stalls when the Gospel is not unmistakably announced.  

Gospel clarity precedes renewal.  

A Practical Step for Lent

Before you add anything new to your calendar, ask yourself (or your team):

Have I personally responded to Jesus' invitation in the kerygma — not once in the past, but today?

Where have I been assuming the Gospel instead of receiving and proclaiming Him anew?

May this Lent make the Gospel unmistakable in us and through us. 

Peace, 

‍Kristin Bird

Executive Director