Lay people are called to defend Christ’s teaching through Hope, Prayer, Faith and Love
They stand up and defend the church against all those who oppose it,
” All who are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of them on the last day.” Mark 8v34-38 Many early Christians were martyred for their beliefs and even today in some parts of the world people are prosecuted for spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ. In Afghanistan the Taliban have imprisoned aide workers whom they suspect have been preaching Christianity.
“Love your neighbour as you love yourself.” Mark 12v33-34
Lay people help those in need by providing houses for the homeless and helping those with alcohol or drug problems. For example members of the Salvation Army have provided warmth, shelter and food for the homeless for many years. In my own area members of the congregation of the Wey Christian Fellowship have been helping street children in South America.
“If one of you wants to be great, he must be the servant of the rest, and if one of you wants to be first he must be your slave.” Matthew 20v24-28
Lay people don’t help the rich or those who don’t need their help. They help the ones who are in trouble and need their company. Jesus set an example of this.
“People who are well don’t need a doctor, but only those who are sick. I have not come to all respectable people to repent, but outcasts.”
They obey the church’s rules and teachings.
Thomas Kee 3/10
“Teach them everything I have commanded you, and I will be with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28v20
They are to be kind, generous and good Christians.
“Do onto others as you would want them to do onto you.”
Lay people support the priest by prayer, helping at communion and reading at mass, they can also cooperate in presenting the word of God to the parish by instructing others or by joining one of the organisations connected to the church.
Lay people can also help within the church by contributing any special skills they may have for example a trained accountant could help with the church accounts and a builder could help with church repairs. Mrs Kenny, a teacher at the junior school uses her experience with children to run a youth club at the local church. Other people can help members of the church by sharing their problems with them.
I asked my father, a member of our local church,
“How do you contribute to your church and fulfil your vocation?” he answered,
“ I try to fulfil my vocation by following Christian teachings in all aspects of my life, and helping those less fortunate then myself.”
I also asked my sister how she has contributed to a Christian way of life and she said,
“ This year I accompanied a group of disabled men and women on a pilgrimage to Lourdes.” This is an example of a person who isn’t a priest or a bishop but is playing a role of a layperson in the church.
“Bring the good news to the poor.” Luke 4v8
CAFOD are an example of people voluntarily going out to poor countries and providing relief for the people living there. CAFOD make a link between the continents of Asia Africa and Latin America and the people who wish to help then back at home. Some of the works CAFOD do are:
Thomas Kee 4/10
Community development
Food production
Water supplies and irrigation
Penetrative medicine
Vocational training
Adult education
CAFOD operate because it believes all people should be equal in the sight of God. They also believe that human dignity demands a reasonable standard of living and people all need basic food, housing, education and clothing.
Lay people use the beatitudes as a guideline to reach discipleship and to become closer to God:
“Happy are the poor in spirit.” Matthew 5v3 Lay people don’t show off that they are holy, they are discreet but God knows they are true believers.
“Happy are those who mourn” Matthew 5v4 Lay people mourn for others and show respect to the friends and family of those who have died.
“Happy are those who are humble.” Matthew 5v5 Lay people put others before them selves and don’t aim to be great and powerful.
“Happy are the merciful.” Matthew 5v7 Lay people are merciful to others and forgive anyone who they have fallen out with.
“Happy are those who are pure in heart.” Matthew 5v8 Lay people should be true believers, they shouldn’t pretends, if they do believe in Christ then God will reward them.
“Happy are those who work for peace.” Matthew 5v9 Lay people spread peace in the world and try to prevent violence and corruption.
“Happy for those who are prosecuted for doing what God requires.” Matthew 5v10 If you are sent to prison or in trouble for doing what God wants then you are a true lay person and God will reward you in Heaven.
Lay people have a duty to serve others and to help those in need. They must stand up for the church and what God taught them. For example Mother Teresa spent her whole life helping people in India because she knew what she was doing was right. People like Mother Teresa are examples for all people. Although mother Teresa was a member of a religious order, she is an example to all Lay People. “Love your God.” Lay people follow this by using their talents to love and help everyone around them
