WORLD MISSION MONTH | Persist in prayer – and encourage others to do the same
Reflections on the readings for the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 16, 2022): EX 17:8-13; PS 121:1-2,3-4,5-6,7-8; 2 TM 3:14-4:2; LK 18:1-8
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.
As we look forward to World Mission Sunday next week, let us commit ourselves to praying each day for God’s guidance for and protection of the Church’s missionaries and...
Faith in God is the focus of the liturgy today. As followers of Jesus we believe that He is the Redeemer of the world. And that He came to save us from the selfishness that can lead us to cooperate with evil – to our own harm and that of others. It is up to us as individuals to choose whether or not to believe in Him; moreover, we have a bond with other believers.
In the first reading from the Old Testament, we see how God called His people to help each other do what He asked of them. When an army threatened the Jewish people, Moses held up “the staff of God” and, as long as he did, the Jews won the battle. But when he could no longer keep his arms raised, they started to lose. So two other men held up Moses’ hands until their people could claim victory. Moses needed their support in order to do what God wanted and to help their nation. In St. Paul’s letter to Timothy, we hear the younger man encouraged to take the best care possible for the churches with which he was entrusted. “Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed.… From infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus… Proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient of inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 3:14-15, 4:2). It was important that Timothy remain loyal to Christ and to appreciate the value of Scriptures. He also needs to understand and carry out his responsibilities to the community of believers.
All of us who follow Jesus need to treasure our own faith in Jesus and the faith of others. We need to support others when they are having difficulties and to rely on them for help when we need assistance. As members of Christ’s Church we must, above all, pray and entrust ourselves to the will of God. And we need to share the blessings of our life of faith with others.
Suggested missionary action: As we look forward to World Mission Sunday next week, let us commit ourselves to praying each day for God’s guidance for and protection of the Church’s missionaries and those they assist in so many vital ways. Offer a World Mission Rosary, if possible, or even a decade, asking the Blessed Mother’s loving care for her children, especially those who do not yet believe in her Son. Plan to give generously in the collection for World Mission Sunday next weekend.
For resources for the celebration of World Mission Sunday, visit this website.