Active Membership Pillar: Engagement in at least one parish ministry

Jeremiah is known as a prophet who was not popular in his own time. In fact, in our first reading, he’s tossed down a cistern by the princes of Judah.  Why? Because he was spreading God’s message, but an unpopular one. Jesus speaks in the Gospel of wanting to be a source of division in the world, even within families. This seems an odd opinion for the Prince of Peace. But the two passages are related; we must speak and act out Christ’s message even at a cost. This truth has always had opposition from the world—but we are called to make good trouble.

We speak out for life in all stages and forms. We support the widow and the orphan. We welcome the stranger and visit the sick and the prisoner. We feed the hungry and shelter the homeless.

A good way to act this out is to participate in one or more of the ministries of the parish. We can be united with other parishioners in our charitable work for the parish and for the community—we can heal those divisions. There are so many opportunities among the many ministries of Lumen Christi. Peruse the Ministries Handbook on the parish website for some inspiration.

As Pope Leo XIV said in his first message after being elected in May, “God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs his light. Humanity needs him like a bridge to reach God and his love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace.”