This month we were asked to think about on our calling to live differently as Jesus’ disciples in the 21st century and how that might look in the workplace as healthcare professionals. I have been reflecting that, just as Jesus demonstrated how to show compassion and love to the least of society, we also have a responsibility to care and advocate for the vulnerable. When faced with so many injustices in healthcare here and abroad it could be all too easy to despair. However, when we place our hope in Jesus Christ, we anchor ourselves to the truth that God is enough and can change circumstances, conditions and structures. God’s kingdom is not yet fully here, but we are placed in this broken world to participate in bringing life under His rule and reign.
Integral Mission
A new concept was introduced this month, that of integral mission. It seeks to balance the proclamation of spiritual salvation with the demonstration of God’s kingdom through good works. Neither can exist without the other; as our hearts change in response to God’s grace, we will want to share that grace with others by word but also through deed. As an introvert that struggles with sharing my faith with strangers, I can find it all too easy to tell myself that my actions will speak just as loud as my words. But this month I have been reminded I have been called as a follower of Christ to share the good news of salvation in conversation as well as in action.
Film Club
Our second film club focused on the representation of integral mission in the 1992 hit Sister Act. The plot follows lounge singer Deloris, who, as a witness to a murder, is placed under witness protection in a convent, and how she proceeds to liven up the choir and get the nuns working in service to their community. It is a comedy with a tongue-in-cheek approach to faith in action. However, we found interesting discussion in how a convent could have ever become so separated from the community around it, prior to an outsider suggesting cleaning up the neighbourhood. It challenged us to think about how churches are responding to the needs of the community around them and whether we are welcoming enough to those who may not usually choose to attend church.