Committed to sharing the words and works of Jesus with people everywhere
Reflections on the readings for the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 18, 2020): IS 45:1,4-6; PS 96:1,3,4-5,7-8,9-10; 1 THES 1:1-5; MT 22:15-21
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
On this World Mission Sunday, we recall that we respond to the Lord’s call to us with the response, “Here I am, send me.”
On this World Mission Sunday, we join with brothers and sisters around the globe in celebrating the Church’s magnificent responsibility of sharing Christ’s message of redemption and eternal life. Since Jesus sent His Apostles and other disciples out to preach His word, every generation has generously answered this holy call. Today, priests, consecrated women and men and lay people continue to reach out to those who do not know or believe in Christ our Savior. For those of us who remain at home, we can contribute to our Father’s plan through prayer and the example we offer in our own community.
In today’s readings for both the Old and New Testaments, we see God’s love for His children and His desire for them to embrace His truth. He expects those who have faith to communicate it to others. “I have called you by your name… so that toward the rising and the setting of the sun people may know that there is none besides Me. I am the Lord, there is no other” (Isaiah 45:4, 6). Our relationship with God must be the most important part of our lives – it must actually define our way of thinking, speaking and behaving. And if the sacrifice of God’s Son means everything to our souls, our whole being, then others need to have the opportunity to understand and accept His mercy as well.
These past months dealing with a pandemic have been long and difficult for great numbers of people. Family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and we ourselves, have suffered physically, mentally, and spiritually. We have seen the problems of those around us and heard horrific news about others in many lands. We can ease the burdens of others through prayer and personal sacrifice. We can make a real difference to the welfare of the bodies and souls of those helped by the Church’s Missions. “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all you lands. Tell His glory among the nations; among all peoples, His wondrous deeds” (Psalm 96:1, 3).
On this World Mission Sunday, we recall that we respond to the Lord’s call to us with the response, “Here I am, send me.” Our prayers and sacrifices on this Sunday, combined with those offered in churches and chapels around the globe, join us to the efforts of missionaries who proclaim the Word and serve the poor day in and day out.
For resources for the celebration of World Mission Sunday, visit this website.
