30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C-)
World Mission Sunday
October 23, 2022
Fr. John C. Garrett
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 faith in Christ our Savior will enliven the souls of more and more people.
Pope Francis chose for the theme of this year’s World Mission Sunday a passage from the Acts of the Apostles, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The Holy Father then reflected on the three key phrases of this passage. While it would be too long to cover all that he said in a homily, I would like to share some of the highlights.
Firsts he focuses on the phrase, “you shall be my witnesses….” The disciples were to be witnesses of Jesus. In today’s second reading, St. Paul notes that he has likely reached the end of his life, and is likely facing the ultimate witnessing to Jesus Christ – martyrdom. He says, “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 Tim. 4:6-8). St. Paul, among the greatest of the Church’s early missionaries, wanted St. Timothy and all who spread the message of salvation to remain steadfast in their task.
For, as Pope Francis states, “every Christian is called to be a missionary and witness to Christ.” He calls our attention to the use of the plural form of the verb. Mission is carried out together, not individually, in communion with the ecclesial community, and not on one’s own initiative.
What does it entail to be a witness and missionary? “The disciples are urged to live their personal lives in a missionary key: they are sent by Jesus to the world not only to carry out, but also and above all to live the mission entrusted to them; not only to bear witness, but also and above all to be witnesses of Christ” (Pope Francis). The essence of the mission is to bear witness to Christ, that is, to his life, passion, death and resurrection for the love of the Father and of humanity. Missionaries of Christ are not sent to communicate themselves, to exhibit their persuasive qualities and abilities or their managerial skills. Instead, theirs is the supreme honor of presenting Christ in words and deeds.
The Holy Father then focuses on the phrase, “To the ends of the earth….” There is a universal character to mission. It is not just for our family and friends; all are called to Christ Jesus. The words “to the ends of the earth” should challenge all disciples of Jesus in every age and impel them to press beyond familiar places in bearing witness to him.
Finally Pope Francis focuses on “You will receive power from the Holy Spirit.” When the risen Christ commissioned the disciples to be his witnesses, he also promised them the grace needed for this great responsibility. No Christian is able to bear full and genuine witness to Christ the Lord without the Spirit’s inspiration and assistance. “All Christ’s missionary disciples are called to recognize the essential importance of the Spirit’s work, to dwell in his presence daily and to receive his unfailing strength and guidance. Indeed, it is precisely when we feel tired, unmotivated or confused that we should remember to have recourse to the Holy Spirit in prayer” (Pope Francis).
For almost a century, 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 love and 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 and love. 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.