Member of the Parole de Dieu group

There are many organisations around the world. Each of these organisations has its own membership criteria, such as purchasing a membership card or paying a fee to have one’s name entered in the register. Even within the Church, there are many organisations and congregations, and each has its own distinctive character.

Do I have to be a member of the Word of God group?

The ‘Word of God’ group is also an organisation with its own criteria. Jesus gives the example of someone who wants to build a house. He must think carefully and consider whether he will be able to finish it. Otherwise, he will be mocked (Luke 14:25–33). He also speaks of a king who goes to war; if he realises he is outmatched, he will negotiate peace. What makes the ‘Word of God’ group unique? Can this group help me grow in my friendship with Jesus? In the parable of the guests (Matthew 22:1–14), the master sends his servants to call all passers-by to the feast. Unfortunately, there was one person in the room who was not wearing festive clothing. He was thrown out, suffering. He was part of the crowd without really being a member. He was present but lacked the spirit of fellowship with the others. Similarly, many people may attend the Word of God group without being members. They may be there for years without being true members. The task of the leaders is to ensure that someone who is not truly a member can become one, and if they are, to see that they fulfil their commitment to the end. It is possible to join the Word of God group through an invitation, out of curiosity or in response to a calling. However, one must discover and understand what makes this group unique in order to be a good member.  Who is a member of the Parole de Dieu group (a ‘Parolien’)? Unlike other organisations, membership of the Parole de Dieu group does not begin with a contribution or registration in a register.

Here are the main characteristics of a member of the Parole de Dieu group:

1. Attendance: The first criterion for a member of the Parole de Dieu group is attendance at all the activities organised by the group. This refers to someone who takes the programme seriously, even if they do not understand its purpose at first, but who trusts that these activities are organised for their spiritual growth. Moreover, taking part in these activities is a form of training. So one of the first signs of someone’s commitment to a ‘Word of God’ group is their regular attendance. It is as if they were saying: ‘I cannot organise something and then be absent myself’.  Sometimes there are people in the groups who complain: ‘I wasn’t told this, I’m not being asked to do that. But they aren’t always there; how can we rely on them if they come and go?’ We can only work most effectively with those who take an interest in what we’re doing and who are present.  Whilst presence is an important factor, we must bear in mind that there are people who, because of work, studies or other commitments, are no longer in a town where a group exists. But if they are true members, they will keep themselves informed, they will make suggestions, and they will stay in touch whilst waiting for the time when they return or set up a group where they are.

2. Living out the Word of God: A true member of the Word of God group will make an effort to please Jesus by living out His Word. Someone who is not particularly interested in living out the Word cannot be a true member. Someone may join the Word of God group whilst living in serious sin. But normally, as time goes on, they must—because they want to live out the Word—break away from these serious sins, from persistent mortal sins. It is true that if someone is in a serious state of sin, they will not be excluded from the group, for with time, they may change. Jesus said that he did not come for the healthy but for the sick. So we will be patient whilst praying for them. This may take several years. And God’s mercy may help them to be converted. But we shall avoid making them a leader: ‘Be shepherds of the flock’ (1 Peter 5:3). How can we properly guide others along a path that we ourselves do not follow? It is for this reason that a leader of a Word of God group must be careful, for he himself risks—at least at certain times—not being a member of Word of God, because he is not living out the Word of God. His leadership will therefore suffer as a result. They will be a bad shepherd, even if they are very active. The good shepherd in a ‘Word of God’ group, the good leader—the one the Lord desires for those who will build the Movement of the Incarnation, His kingdom—is one who lives by His Word. For us, it is better to live out the Word of God and do nothing else. We can therefore see that living out the Word of God is the key aspect of being a member of the group. The key element that helps us to live out the Word of God is the Prayer Sheet. It is a small tool containing verses and short exercises. But whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in greater ones.

3. Sharing the Word of God: A true member of the Word of God group, who lives out the Word of God, will be so filled with it that they will share it with others. Evangelism is inseparable from belonging to the Word of God group. You shall not say: ‘I am a member, but I do not evangelise, or I only evangelise through my actions’. No! A true member of the Word of God group will seek to share Jesus, bear witness (Acts 1:8), organise events so that others may come to know Jesus and live out his Word, and be a shepherd to others. True members will not neglect opportunities for evangelism or retreats. A true member of the Parole de Dieu group will therefore live out the Word but will also be someone who works towards evangelism.

4. The life of prayer: None of this can succeed without a good life of prayer. A true member of a ‘Word of God’ group will not neglect their personal prayer life. They will endeavour to be faithful to silent prayer (at least 30 minutes) and will set aside time for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. If there is someone in a group who does not take silent prayer seriously, it is unlikely that they are a true member of the Word of God group. The leader of a Word of God group will seek to guide, educate and train people to become men and women of prayer (Isaiah 56:7), people who live out the Word and share it – in short, true members of the Incarnation Movement.

Henri Bayemi