The Daily Homily by Fr. James Farfaglia, Thursday, July 3, 2008

I always enjoy the celebration of the feast day of any of the Apostles because it reminds all of us that we too are called to be apostles. The Second Vatican Council reminded us that this call to the apostolate is not only for priests and religious. The laity too are called to be active members of the Church.

Here is what the Council said: "There are innumerable opportunities open to the laity for the exercise of their apostolate of evangelization and sanctification. The very testimony of their Christian life and good works done in a supernatural spirit have the power to draw men to belief and to God; for the Lord says, 'Even so let your light shine before men in order that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven' (Matt. 5:16).

However, an apostolate of this kind does not consist only in the witness of one's way of life; a true apostle looks for opportunities to announce Christ by words addressed either to non-believers with a view to leading them to faith, or to the faithful with a view to instructing, strengthening, and encouraging them to a more fervent life. 'For the charity of Christ impels us' (2 Cor. 5:14). The words of the Apostle should echo in all hearts, 'Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel' (1 Cor. 9:16).

In my life as a priest, I have known many people that really live these words of the Council. They are exciting to be with. These are people who inspire me and make the apostolate extremely exciting and rewarding. But, then there are the people who do nothing at all. I have never understood their problem. I loathe complacency and laziness. I pray for patience all of the time. There is so much that needs to be done.

Pope John Paul II once wrote: "A new state of affairs today both in the Church and in social, economic, political and cultural life, calls with a particular urgency for the action of the lay faithful. If lack of commitment is always unacceptable, the present time renders it even more so. It is not permissible for anyone to remain idle."