THE JOY OF BEING MISSIONARY DISCIPLES TO ANNOUNCE THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

At this moment, with uncertainties in our hearts, we ask ourselves with Saint Thomas: “How are we going to know the way?” (Jn 14, 5). Jesus answers us with a provocative proposal: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (Jn 14, 6). He is the true path to the Father, who loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life (cf. Jn 3:16). This is eternal life: “That they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent” (Jn 17, 3). Faith in Jesus as the Son of the Father is the gateway to Life. The disciples of Jesus confess our faith with the words of Peter: “Your words give eternal Life” (Jn 6, 68); “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16, 16).

The disciples of Jesus recognize that He is the first and greatest evangelizer sent by God (cf. Lk 4, 44) and, at the same time, the Gospel of God (cf. Rm 1, 3). We believe and announce “the good news of Jesus, Messiah, Son of God” (Mk 1, 1). As children obedient to the voice of the Father, we want to listen to Jesus (cf. Lk 9, 35) because He is the only Teacher (cf. Mt 23, 8).

This is our fundamental principle that moves us to consecrate our lives entirely to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We desire to know Him more in the gospels, we want to love Him more, we want to serve Him and His Church.

THE PROCESS OF FORMATION AND CONSECRATION

The vocation and commitment to be disciples and missionaries of Jesus Christ today require a clear and determined option for the formation of the members of our communities, for the good of all the baptized, whatever the function they carry out in the Church. We look to Jesus, the Master who personally formed his apostles and disciples. Christ gives us the method: “Come and see” (Jn 1, 39), “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (Jn 14, 6). With Him we can develop the potentialities that are in people and form missionary disciples.

The formative itinerary of the follower of Jesus is rooted in the dynamic nature of the person and in the personal invitation of Jesus Christ, who calls his own by name, and they follow him because they know his voice. The Lord aroused the deep aspirations of his disciples and drew them to himself, full of amazement. The follow-up is the result of a fascination that responds to the desire for human fulfillment, the desire for a full life. The disciple is someone who is passionate about Christ, whom he recognizes as the teacher who leads and accompanies him.

We are following the model of other consecrations, such as the Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary from St. Louis-Marie de Montfort which includes a preparation of 33 days in order for us to be able to fully comprehend what this consecration to Jesus Christ entails.

The preparation consists of a zoom meeting orientation(introduction), a weekly zoom meeting (once a week during 5 weeks) and daily readings, meditation, praying of the rosary, fasting (every Wednesday) and sacramental life, particularly the Eucharist and reconciliation as often as possible.

Once consecrated, every disciple 73 commits his/her life to continue the mission of reaching out for more souls and bring them to an Encounter with Jesus, virtually (Zoom) in the first phase of the implementation of “I am 73” and then in the parish in the future.

As consecrated, the disciples and missionaries “I am 73” understand that they are now part of lifestyle conform to the heart of Jesus and they become living testimonies of His mercy and service to others with their Talents – Time and Treasure.

They have become now ambassadors of Jesus Christ who extend His Kingdom by inviting more souls to be part of the tremendous joy of following and serving Jesus here on earth and one day in His presence, eternally in Heaven.