By Lissy Maruthanakuzhy

Panaji: Micky and Goretti Martins with their team of “Amazing Grace mission group” now try to be the mouthpieces of Jesus the risen Lord.

For Goretti, sharing the good news was her passion. She in fact had entered a religious congregation. But ill-health forced her to be a missionary with her family.

Exploding with joy Goretti recalled, “Together with my husband and with a missionary priest I travel to various villages. Some of my friends say that if I were a religious, I would not have been able to do what is being done now.”

“God has his own way of fulfilling our desire,” Goretti laughs.

Although began as a husband-wife team, the group started to swell as more people with equal interest joined. It was the new members who suggested having a name for the group.

“After fifteen days of prayer I decided upon the name ‘Amazing Grace Mission Group’ because amazing things were happening in our lives,” Goretti said.

She narrated, “The people we were meeting were poor. They did not have even sufficient food every day. That brought tears in my eyes. But they were a happy lot. They welcome us with much joy. Within me I felt I had to do something for them—provide clothing, food and stationary. We would focus more on children and their education. If someone did not have a house, we would make a small house with contributions from all of us. I did not have much funds. But I relied on God and funds began to come in as required. There are so many kind-hearted people who wish to help.”

“And we go to everyone because I believe that God is in every human being,” Goretti affirms her God-mission irrespective of caste and creed.

“For me religion is being a good human being. So, we work with all. Whoever is need of our help we reach out in whatever way we can,” she added with a smile.

“We face many challenges in our mission, but I will not give up. I spent days in prayer before a mission,” Goretti affirmed her commitment.

To share the Word of God one needs to be rooted on the Word, according Goretti, the mother of two young men and a young woman.

Citing her favorite Bible quote, “Do not be afraid, I am with you,” Goretti says emphatically, “If we have to give the Word, we have to live the Word.”

A catechism teacher in her parish for many years, Goretti has read the entire Bible three times. She exhorts everyone to read the Bible, so as to proclaim the Word of God with courage and conviction.

Goretti’s words resonated with the daily liturgical readings after Easter that spoke of joy amid fear, uncertainty, surprise, exhortation, for the followers of the Crucified and risen Christ.

For the frightened Apostles the resurrection of Jesus changed everything; turned their world upside down so to say. They had seen him with their own eyes. Now their fear was replaced with the urgency to share the good news, whatever the cost.

Finding the tomb of Jesus empty, Mary Magdalene was distraught (Jn 20:11). Her sorrow turned into immense joy on hearing Jesus calling her by name (Jn 20:16).

Peter and friends had returned to their former trade of fishing, disappointed perhaps after the death of Jesus (Jn 21:3). Recognizing Jesus, the beloved disciple of Jesus whispered in Peter’s ears, “It is the Lord.” (Jn 21:7). Impulsive Peter was in the water at once, swimming towards Jesus. His Master was alive and was with them!

The disappointment of the disciples walking to Emmaus turned into joy and deep faith when they recognized that it was the Lord who broke the bread for them responding to their invitation “Stay with us”(Luke 24:35-48).

And the Lord commanded the disciples, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news (Mk 16:15).

The Acts of the Apostles presents us with stories of responding to this command resulting in repentance (Acts 2:41) witness, miracles of healing, (Acts 3:6,8,15) and fearless preaching (Acts 4:20).

“Witness” could be a good description for each of us followers of Christ. The apostles were the first witnesses as they attracted people through their preaching and healing. This role has been passed onto all of us baptized. He asks us to be his hands and feet today. He asks us to be his spokespersons.