From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age

by University of Mary

There is a telling event in the life of the prophet Elisha, recounted in the Second Book of Kings (6:23-8). An alliance of hostile powers had invaded Israel, and an army was laying siege to the city where Elisha was staying with his servant. In this dire predicament the servant grew anxious, but Elisha encouraged him with the words, “Don’t be afraid; those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” This made no sense to the servant, who could see no allies but only a vast army of enemies. So Elisha prayed that the servant’s eyes would be opened to see the spiritual world, to catch a glimpse of the genuine reality. The young man’s eyes were opened, and he saw an army of heavenly horsemen and chariots around Elisha more than equal to the task of handling the enemy forces. This is not just a charming story; it is the expression of a truth of great practical importance. The Church will regularly appear to be the underdog when an assessment of her fortunes looks only at the visible world of politics, economics, cultural clout, and numbers. But when the Church is seen truly, as a divine society transcending space and time, filled with the presence and strength of God, resplendent with the power and beauty of angels and perfected humans, bringing all the authority of heaven to bear on the world’s affairs, the picture looks quite different. An apostolic age, especially one now emerging from the ruins of a Christendom culture, needs to be clear about the sources of the...