There is a great temptation in our apostolate to view one better or greater than the other. Not maliciously but mostly out of misplaced fervour. But the fact is that there is no hierarchy of ministries. There is only a round table of apostolate. Just like at a round table, there is no one greater or higher. We are all at the same level, face to face with one another and on an equal footing.
The hierarchical or pyramidal view of the types of apostolate arises when one views 'pastoral work' as true religious apostolate (top of the pyramid) and other works among civil groups or human rights based activity as 'social work' (bottom of the pyramid).
The criteria then is not what we do, but with what Spirit we do what we do. By that criteria, where, who, when does not matter. 'Why' is of primary importance. Therefore, if love of God is what urges us to a particular activity or service, then it is an apostolate. If love of the Father does not drive one to clean the sacristy then that service is no better than a protest march carried out on behalf of our brothers and sisters for a just cause, even though the sacristy is closer to the altar!
No comments:
Post a Comment