HEARTS ON FIRE, FEET ON THE MOVE

The theme of the World Mission Sunday this year, Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move, based on the Emmaus episode, reflects on the freshness and newness of the mission. It speaks of the disciples’ encounter with the risen Christ in the word and the breaking of the bread, impelling them to action with renewed courage and enthusiasm. The context of our mission is constantly evolving requiring an adequate missionary response. For instance, the modern world is characterized by several currents of thoughts, ideologies and orientations. Further, the Instrumentum Laboris of XIII Synod of Bishops on “the New Evangelization for the Transmission of Christian Faith” presents broadly the new contexts or sectors of evangelization in our times, namely, the cultural sector, the social sector, the economic sector, civic life, scientific research and technology, communications and religious sector. There are many positive aspects resulting from cultural and social changes and scientific advancement. However, it has also negatively affected the Christian communities and their life of faith. For example, the responses of almost every bishops’ conference to the Lineamenta of XIII synod of bishops highlight the following reasons observable among Christians: “a weakening of faith in Christian communities, a diminished regard for the authority of the magisterium, an individualistic approach to belonging to the Church, a decline in religious practice and a disengagement in transmitting the faith to new generations.”