In Mass, we hear to go out and live the Gospel all the time, but what does that actually mean? How do we as Catholics fully live out God’s Word?
Every Catholic has heard this at least once during Mass, but living out the Gospel is easier said than done. It is not about simply believing in God and praying here and there, but rather, living every day of your life in the way God wants for us. To live out the Gospel means to transform your life and to integrate the “Good News” into it. This includes submitting to the Lord, which means yielding to His will and trusting in Him.
Something important in living out the Gospel is questioning the faith. Questioning and critically thinking for yourself about deep topics such as faith, allows you to come up with the answer on your own, which creates a deeper understanding. Today, most topics are not thought through and there is no critical thinking, which is why it is important, especially in religion, to deeply think about profound topics.
“To me personally, living out the Gospels means loving Our Savior Jesus Christ and doing His will. Knowing that He loves me beyond my imagination and is eternally merciful gives me a great purpose for living. I think it is very important for everyone to do the same, especially girls at Academy. High school can be a crazy time, so relying on Jesus and helping others to do the same is crucial. There are so many ways to live it out, but living by example and speaking up when necessary with love and truth are always good. There are so many things students must tackle within school and outside of it, but every activity and aspect of daily life can be offered up as a prayer to Jesus (so long as it is not inherently sinful). Encouraging ourselves and others to read the daily Gospel and to attend Mass weekly will be the best places to start,” said Theology teacher, Tito Padilla.
Thoroughly reading and understanding the Word of God is important to live out the Gospel because how can one live something out if they do not know what it is? Going to Mass is a great way to hear the Gospel reading and learning how to apply it to life. Some readings are simpler than others, but by taking time and deeply thinking about it, the more difficult readings can be more easily understood.
Living out the Gospel does not necessarily mean the boldest and most courageous deed, but rather, a deed mighty with love and selflessness, intended on bringing about goodness to others. Even the simplest act in everyday life can bring you closer to the meaning of the Word of God.
Sophomore Simone Slenn said, “I think there are many aspects to what we call living out the Gospel, but I believe the truest way to do it in our everyday lives is through small acts of kindness and compassion. An idea popularized by St. Therese of Lisieux, small acts aren’t forced or particularly difficult to enact. In a world full of hurt, they also reinforce the Christian ideas of love towards everyone that becomes forgotten through ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing.’ These small acts can be things such as holding open the door or smiling to a stranger. We never know what someone is going through. It is very possible that these small acts can restore one’s faith in Christ, because it reminds them of how Jesus calls us to act towards others. Not with hate, but with pure and selfless love.”
Living out the Gospel is not something that comes with steps and a plan that is easily found and comprehended, but the “plan” is found within the teachings of Christ and throughout the Bible. When we act in the way His Word describes, we demonstrate His love for all, which is something beautiful. Acting in this way is not easy, but that’s the point. It’s meant to be a challenge that people choose on their own free will, which is more meaningful in the end.
“I think living out the Gospel is continuing Christ’s mission to bring the people around us to God. In order to do that, we need to understand the truth of who Jesus is and what His life, death, and Resurrection achieved for all of humanity in Salvation History. By living out the Gospel we show the same love that Christ has for each of us, treating each other as sons and daughters of Christ, not as strangers. Loving each other as Christ does means giving ourselves and time selflessly, without expectation to be repaid, and spreading the truth of Christ and His Kingdom with respect. Living out the Gospel through love requires sacrifices, big or small. As Saint Paul says, ‘I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me’ (Gal. 2:19-20). Ultimately, if you want to live out the Gospel you need to love, and to do that you need to give up the desires of the flesh and instead strengthen your spirit, allowing Jesus to dwell within you,” said Brielle Slenn (‘28).
