When Paul says that an obligation has been imposed upon him, he is not describing Christianity as a burdensome set of religious duties. His obligation comes from grace. Because he has encountered Christ’s mercy, he can no longer live as though that encounter never happened.
Paul’s “obligation,” therefore, is the responsibility created by love. When we have received something capable of giving life to others, remaining silent or refusing to live differently becomes a denial of the gift itself.
Through Baptism, each Christian is joined to Christ and incorporated into his Body. Through Confirmation, the baptized are strengthened by the Holy Spirit to bear witness to Christ. Every disciple therefore participates in the Church’s mission.
Not every Christian is called to preach publicly as Paul did. Not everyone will become a missionary, theologian, catechist, or ordained minister. But every Christian is called to make the Gospel visible.
We preach the Gospel whenever:
– we forgive rather than seek revenge;
– we protect the dignity of another person;
– we remain honest when dishonesty would benefit us;
– we care for the poor, forgotten, lonely, or suffering;
– we speak about our faith with humility and courage;
– we bring reconciliation into divided relationships;
– we allow Christ’s mercy to shape our judgments;
– we place love of God and neighbor above personal convenience.
here is a difference between knowing the teachings of Jesus and allowing those teachings to govern our lives. We may know that Christ commands forgiveness while continuing to nurture resentment. We may profess concern for the poor while protecting ourselves from their suffering. We may receive the Eucharist while refusing communion with people whom God has placed in our lives.
To “live out the Gospel” means allowing the life of Christ to take visible form within us. It means that our choices, relationships, use of money, treatment of others, exercise of authority, and response to suffering gradually reveal whom we belong to.
