Holy Restlessness:
A Passion for Mission
W
h a t moves the spirit of man kindling his missionary spirit to embark on a journey of a thousand miles? What inspires man to leave his comfort zone and face the fears and challenges of an unknown territory? The answer lies within the most interior part of man, a restless heart called to holiness. Mission has always been an integral part of the Church. In fact, mission is linked to or synonymous with evangelization, the Church. Christ himself gave this mandate, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that l have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of age.” (Mat 28:19-20) But what makes missionary work possible is the restlessness of one’s heart, a heart that has been touched by the hand of God. Holy restlessness inspired the first Augustinian missionaries to arrive on Philippine shores and proclaim Christ and the Kingdom of God. A long time has passed since the first missionary venture to the Philippines and we are now a predominantly Catholic nation. Being the descendants of the first Augustinian missionaries to the Philippines, do we still carry the burning flame of holy restlessness in our hearts invigorating our passion for mission? Holy restlessness, the main element that awakens our passion for mission, is not an ordinary form of restlessness. It is a restlessness of the spirit. This restlessness is “spiritual” in origin, a yearning for God.
“Spiritual is what comes from the Spirit of God, and is led and directed by the same Spirit.” Holy restlessness is not restlessness borne from problems or confusion; rather it is the working of the Holy Spirit. Holy restlessness is a kind of spirituality. “Spirituality is life. Spirituality is living a life in the Spirit. It is our habitual way of responding affirmatively or surrendering to the promptings, guidance and direction of the Spirit.” This spirituality of holy restlessness excites our passion for mission. For it is not through our own efforts that we are able to be transformed but it is the Spirit that seeks and transforms our desire in
This spirituality of holy restlessness excites our passion for mission. For it is not through our own efforts that we are able to be transformed but it is the Spirit that seeks and transforms our desire in conformity with the will of God. IN DEUM 2012 [04]