Introduction
In the Church, we often hear about priests, bishops, and popes, but what about the laypeople? The lay apostolate is about the role of regular folks like you and me in the mission of the Church. No, you don’t need to wear a collar or habit to take part. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the laity is defined as “all the faithful except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church” (CCC 897). Let’s delve into the richness of this subject and understand how vital the laity is for evangelization—spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The Baptismal Foundation of the Lay Apostolate
First things first. Where do laypeople get the authority to take part in the Church’s mission? It starts with Baptism. When you’re baptized, you share in the mission of Christ as a priest, prophet, and king. “The baptized, by regeneration and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, are consecrated as a spiritual house and a holy priesthood” (CCC 1268).
We also find this truth in Scripture. The First Letter of Peter states, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). So, right from the get-go, every baptized person has a role in the Church’s mission.
The Vocation of the Laity in the Church and the World
The word “vocation” often makes us think of priests or nuns, but everyone has a vocation. Laypeople are called to be “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14). What does this mean? It means that laypeople should live out their faith in everyday life—in families, workplaces, communities, and even in politics.
The Catechism confirms this: “By reason of their special vocation, it belongs to the laity to seek the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and directing them according to God’s will” (CCC 898). The point is, you don’t have to be in a church setting to evangelize. Wherever you are, you can witness to Christ.
The Threefold Mission: Priest, Prophet, King
Priestly Role
The layperson’s priestly role is all about making their whole life a spiritual offering to God. You might not offer Mass, but you can make your work, family life, and even struggles a spiritual gift. Romans 12:1 states, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Prophetic Role
The prophetic role is about speaking God’s truth in the world. You don’t need to predict the future like Isaiah. Instead, your task is to stand up for what’s right and bring the Gospel message to others. “Everyone who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32).
Kingly Role
Lastly, the kingly role is about leading by example and serving others. Christ is the King who came to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:28). By caring for the poor, fighting for justice, and being good stewards of the earth, laypeople exercise their kingly role.
Evangelization: Why Is It Important?
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This command of Jesus isn’t just for priests or religious; it’s for everyone. Evangelization is not an optional activity but a requirement for all the faithful. “All lay people… are at once the witness and the living instruments of the mission of the Church itself” (CCC 913).
Practical Ways to Evangelize
- Family: The family is called the “domestic Church” (CCC 1656). By raising kids in the faith, parents are first and foremost evangelizers.
- Work: Honesty, integrity, and fairness in your job are ways of showing Christ to others.
- Community Involvement: By getting involved in charitable works and social justice, you become a face of the Church in the world.
Conclusion
The lay apostolate is not a secondary or optional role in the Church. It’s essential. By virtue of baptism, every layperson is empowered to participate fully in the mission of the Church. This is not just theological opinion; it is a universal teaching of the Church. So, whether you’re in the supermarket, at the office, or in your living room, remember: you’re called to be a lay apostle, bringing the Good News to all corners of the world.