by Sister Urban Schmacher
Every year on the third Sunday of October the church observes World Mission Sunday. Today we celebrate our call as baptized Christians to witness and celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We also gratefully remember the many men and women who have spent their lives as missionaries bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to thousands of people throughout the world.
The Gospel today has a clear directive for us who have been selected by our baptism to carry on the mission of Jesus. In speaking to his apostles Jesus tells them and us: "Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mk 10:43-45)
At every celebration of the Eucharist we are sent forth to witness to the life of Jesus whom we have received in Word and Sacrament. Jesus' mission was to everyone, saint and sinner, rich and poor alike. At the conclusion of every Mass the Church sends us forth with the command: "Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord." (Roman Missal) As missionaries go forth to preach the Word of God in all corners of the world so we go forth, renewed and refreshed and recommitted to being the messengers of the Good News and the servants of all.
My Souls Longs for You, O God (US Catholic
Catechism for Adults, The Creed)
by Sister Mary Kabat
Take time this week to say a prayer of thanks for those who first introduced you to God. Make a renewed commitment to daily choose to deepen your relationship with God, the true source of happiness, fulfillment and peace now and forever.