September-October 2025

Editor's desk François-Marie Héraud

Living the Gospel

Believing that God exists, that He is greater than we are is knowing that He loves us. It is to accept that everything we have received flows from His love. It is to recognize that no matter our success, our wealth, or our fame, we can do nothing on our own and much of what we chase after is nothing more than chasing the wind. These are great challenges! They are the very struggles the Lord spoke of when He said, “‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.” (Matthew 19:21–22)

Still, there are moments when life’s fragility becomes clear, when we glimpse its true worth. Such moments invite us to look deeply within ourselves. And then the question arises: what shall we choose? Our “yes” or our “no” will shape the course of our lives.

If the Gospel truly means “Good News,” how does it transform us? The Evangelist Saint Luke begins his Gospel with the story of a young woman, Mary. He presents the encounter between an angel and God’s chosen one, “you have found favour with God.” Although perplexed by this greeting, she does not run away. Instead, she ponders these words in her heart and dares to ask, “How can this be?”

“Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’” (Luke 1:38)

To see in Mary a model, and even more, to see in her the very one awaited by God the Father, a woman who would become our Mother, is decisive. Mary is the one who welcomes and “remains” in the presence of God. She did not shy away, she did not pretend, she did not let fear take hold of her. Standing firm, she responded fully to God’s invitation.

If Mary awaited the coming of God, she took the time to listen. She savoured the moment of encounter with God. And because she already trusted Him completely, she did not protest or ask, “Why me?” She simply desired to move forward, accepting and embracing the grace that was given to her.

Through Mary, we are given a key to understand this Good News.

God needs Mary. Does He need us as well? What does it mean for us to live the Gospel, here and now, in the midst of our daily lives? Who better than Mary to teach us? Who better to help us discover the meaning we long for? Was it not her “yes” that wrote the very first page of the Gospel?

God needs each of us. He longs for us to welcome what He creates each day. Living the Gospel changes everything…

 

United in prayer!

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Reflexion Steve Morrisey, C.Ss.R.

The Gospel is Meant to Be Shared

Every morning, I ask myself, “How am I going to live the Gospel today?” Over time, I have come to appreciate the Gospel and to understand that I do not simply live the Gospel for myself alone. To live the Gospel is to carry the message of Jesus’ love in such a way that it can be given away. The Gospel is not something to be held tightly by one person; it is meant to be shared by all.

When Jesus chose His twelve disciples, He called them to bring the Good News each day, in every circumstance. I believe that He also asks me to share the Gospel in the simple gift of a smile. People often ask me why I smile so much. I am always thrilled to say, “it is because of the Gospel.”

“A Christian is one who puts others first. To be a disciple of Christ means to live for others. The Beatitudes show us the way.”

It is not words alone that proclaim the Gospel; actions must come first. A smile, an act of kindness or the way we carry ourselves can speak volumes about the love of Jesus. He entrusted us with the opportunity to share the Good News not only with our lips, but through our actions and the way we live our lives.

It was in Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first called Christians. That name carried with it a clear expectation: a Christian is one who puts others first. To be a disciple of Christ means to live for others. As a priest, I have found that living the Gospel always calls me to place others before myself. I could speak endlessly about what it means to put others first, but I believe the Beatitudes show us the way. If we live them, others will always come before us, and in that way, the Gospel is lived and shared.