15th Ordinary Sunday

For our meditation, I propose various themes for you to reflect on and choose one to live by this week. Consider where you feel called to work. For instance, if you feel drawn to be with Christ, think about what you need to do, such as making essential life changes, approaching society differently, accomplishing daily tasks, and living in God, by God, and for God. Alternatively, if you feel called to community living, focus on sharing and delegation, forgiveness and cooperation, and so on. I wish you all the best in your personal reflection and engagement. If you need any help on a particular topic, don’t hesitate to call me back. God bless you.

• Be With Christ

We are called to be close to Christ and to be sent forth. It is crucial for all missionaries and evangelizers to have an intimate relationship with Christ. Without this personal experience, we cannot be effective Christians or missionaries of Jesus.

• Community and Communion

Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs. This communion is essential to our mission. The foundation and source of this communion are revealed in Jesus' mission, where He sought the will of the Father and was united with the Holy Spirit. Thus, our communion mirrors the Trinity, a Trinitarian communion.

• Dependence on God

To be effective missionaries, we need resources. Often, these are interpreted as material resources, but in truth, they are spiritual. We need to be spiritually enriched and completely dependent on God for our mission and its application. All that is asked of us and expected from us is our approach to the mission. We must seek our resources directly from God, not from the world.

• Missionaries of Peace and Reconciliation

Persecutions and rejections are part of our mission, as they were for Jesus. The temptation of James and John, who wished to call down fire from heaven to destroy people, is threatening. However, we have a God of mercy and compassion, not one of punishment and judgment. To persevere, Jesus advises us to ignore negativity and keep moving forward. Often, we dwell on negative experiences, but it is essential to focus on the positive and continue our mission.

• Go to Israel

In our daily lives, not everyone is called to leave home and preach. Our mission begins at home, to our fellow countrymen, which is often the most challenging mission. Historically, missionaries were sent out to preach, but today, we need them here and now, at home, in offices, and on the streets, where our loved ones live. Being a missionary at home invites us to live a witness through a simple life, allowing people to see and discover the God of love and compassion in us. This way of living is what God desires from us today.

Fr. Terry, cmf.