On this World Mission Sunday, let us “speak” of our faith and support missionaries
Reflections on the readings for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 24, 2021): JER 31:7-9; PS 126:1-2,2-3,4-5,6; HEB 5:1-6; MK 10:46-52
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
“We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).
The liturgy for today looks at how we can live in faith and know joy by belonging to our Savior, the Son of God. The Old Testament reading speaks of the happiness of God’s people who had been exiled, separated from Him, who He draws back to Himself. “Shout with joy;… proclaim your praise and say: The Lord has delivered His people.… I will gather them from the ends of the world, with the blind and the lame in their midst, the mothers and those with child; they shall return as an immense throng. They departed in tears, but I will console them and guide them” (Jeremiah 31:7-9). In Jesus we find the New Covenant and, through the gift of faith, we claim Him for our own. In Christ is the supreme blessing of eternal life. We are called to offer this gift to others through prayer, witness, and example.
On this World Mission Sunday, we acknowledge our part in sharing our Catholic faith and in supporting the work of missionaries – priests, and consecrated and lay men and women. They serve our brothers and sisters in many lands who are in great need of nourishment for both soul and body.
Pope Francis chose as the theme for this World Mission Sunday, “We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). He wrote in his message for the celebration, “We recall with gratitude all those men and women who by their testimony of life help us to renew our baptismal commitment to be generous and joyful apostles of the Gospel. Let us remember especially all those who resolutely set out, leaving home and family behind, to bring the Gospel to all those places and people athirst for its saving message.” It is for us to commit ourselves to helping those who do not yet know Christ or do not believe in Him. Too many have not seen His love translated into encouraging words and merciful actions by those who do believe and hope in Him. We who love Christ and treasure His love for us have a responsibility to share that love today and all days.
Suggested missionary action: Each day, and on this World Mission Sunday most especially, let us “speak” of our faith, sharing our belief in Christ in word and witness, in prayer and sacrifice. Let us pray for missionaries, and for those with whom they share our faith in Christ. Let us celebrate the work of the Church’s many faithful and generous missionaries by regularly supporting their efforts, especially on this World Mission Sunday.