becoming gospel

Becoming gospel refers to putting scripture into action, but it means more than just practicing what one preaches. Becoming gospel means being “living exegesis,” in whatever way is most suitable to our particular socio-historical context (Gorman, 2015, p. 297). Ultimately, there are many ways to become Gospel and many involve personal sacrifice, and placing the interests of the community before the self. Becoming Gospel basically means that my life’s purpose is dedicated to fulfilling the mission of God, in everything I do.

Some of the specific ways that I become Gospel include through my communications with others, endeavoring always to interact with authenticity, peace, and harmony. I perform evangelical work in the way that is appropriate for me, while also building bridges with members of the non-Christian community. Doing so helps promote the mission of God through the example of my faith. I pray, and have a rich interior spirituality that complements the work I do in the community.

Offering care to others under the rubric of faith is also one of the ways I become Gospel. Always remembering to study scripture and move forward, never resting until the work is done, is also part of the process of fulfilling the mission of God. Gorman (2015) describes Paul’s message as being cruciform: comprised of the horizontal scope of the Church in offering the key to salvation and also to the vertical dimension of recognizing God’s love and grace.

My parish endeavors to become both the horizontal and the vertical components of God’s mission. As a faith community, the parish is comprised of individuals who are devoted to God. We provide a safe haven, we perform outreach and charity work, and we offer sustenance and solace to those in need. Through collective worship, we strengthen our faith individually and as a community.

Also a horizontal component of becoming Gospel is the role our parish plays in bringing the good news to those who have yet to hear and partake. Outreach, evangelism, and missionary work are methods of broadening the community and fulfilling Christ’s mission. Through worship and prayer, individuals can come to know the glory and grace of God. As Gorman (2015) points out, it is important to refrain from the false binaries that often plague parishes. Rigidity in implementing God’s mission can be counterproductive.

As admirable as it is to be committed to one particular path, being a missionary does not preclude one from also pursuing other forms of work, just as being politically active does not preclude one from being prayerful. The world is too diverse and complex to constrict out behaviors to any one domain, and God’s work requires a multitude of actions and an abundance of tireless effort, rooted in love, faith, and hope.

Faith in Christ justifies us and makes us whole, and we can transmit that sacred healing power to others not just through words but through direct action. The result is transformative. Paul’s message is to be taken literally; when it is inspired and informed by God, our work in the world actively ushers in a new era for humanity. Paul’s message also urges us to return to scripture, and to recognize the form and function of Christ’s mission.

The sacrifice Christ makes reminds us of the sacrifices we still need to make in order to bring about the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Christians bear witness.