WORLD MISSION MONTH | On this World Mission Sunday, let us embrace the gift of sharing our faith with others
Reflections on the readings for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 23, 2022): SIR 35:12-14,16-18; PS 34:2-3,17-18,19,23; 2TM 4:6-8,16-18; LK 18:9-14
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
For 95 years, the Catholic Church has taken up a collection on World Mission Sunday to assist the work of the missions and missionaries in countries around the globe. While the Church shares the joyful message of God’s mercy, it also assists our neighbors who struggle with material needs.
On this World Mission Sunday, we join as a Church to pray for missionaries and those they serve. We pray for their protection, guidance and inspiration. We pray that the gift of faith in Christ our Savior will enliven the souls of more and more people.
In the second reading, St. Paul says that he is likely reaching the end of his life, called to martyrdom for His faith in Jesus. “I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well, I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for His appearance” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Paul, among the greatest of the Church’s early missionaries, wanted Timothy and all who spread the message of salvation to remain steadfast in their task.
While many would suffer for their Christian belief in the days and centuries to come, communicating the news of redemption through the Son of God is absolutely necessary. Mission activity is an elemental part of the Church since we are all called to share the love and forgiveness of Christ with every person possible. Saints Paul and Timothy and the other Apostles and disciples knew this, just as we do, two thousand years later. And each of us needs to be willing to do all we can to bring the word of Jesus Crucified and Risen to others. We do this not only through prayer, but also through our example, witness, and support for Missions.
For 95 years, the Catholic Church has taken up a collection on World Mission Sunday to assist the work of the missions and missionaries in countries around the globe. While the Church shares the joyful message of God’s mercy, it also assists our neighbors who struggle with material needs. Priests, religious Sisters and Brothers, and laypeople continue to reach out to men, women, and children who do not know Christ or do not yet entrust themselves to His mercy. We must live our faith by sharing our faith. Today – and every day – we need to commit ourselves to follow in the footsteps of our Lord by welcoming others to His gracious and glorious embrace.
On this World Mission Sunday, let us witness to our faith through our prayers and financial help to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. Our generosity on this Sunday, combined with what is offered in churches and chapels around the globe, join us to the efforts of missionaries who proclaim the Gospel and serve the poor.
For resources for the celebration of World Mission Sunday, visit this website.
