by Sister Jane Riha
Do you consider yourself a person with a mission in life? As a follower of Jesus, we are each called to be a missionary disciple. As we celebrate Mission Sunday today, Pope Francis calls us to reflect on our vocation as individuals. “I am a mission on this Earth; that is the reason why I am here in this world.” (The Joy of the Gospel, #273)
This special day coincides with the Synod of Bishops’ gathering with many young people representative of the global community. As Church, we are of different generations, cultures, languages and perspectives. A faith community with such animation and inspiration can surely bring the Gospel to all whom we meet.
A disciple proclaims Jesus wherever he/she lives and works. Some persons may be called to serve people in other lands or in the home missions of our own country. Some persons make temporary mission trips to assist those living in poverty. Most of us live ordinary lives with family and friends the majority of time. To live our personal vocation well with compassion, self-sacrifice, and outreach to those on the margins in our own area can be a great challenge.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us the way of humility. Jesus teaches us that embracing God’s call means that: “The cup that I drink of you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized.” Walking humbly with our God as we are “mission on this Earth” will be challenging, it will require sacrifice. We will be blessed with God’s empowerment and an ever closer relationship with Jesus Christ.
Blessings to all our companions on the journey!
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