Mission Sunday (Oct.21,2007)

The church, which Jesus established is a missionary church. The Catholic Church embraces the missionary charisma to its very core, to promote the Kingdom of God. The mission is from the Holy Trinity: "God, the Father sending His Son Jessus into the world to fulfill the mystery of redemption; Father and Son sending the Holy Spirit to sactify the church and give growth". The Catholic Church participates in the mission of the Blessed Trinity.

The term mission seems to have been applied only to those who are toiling in distant places tp preach the gospel. Indeed, they are actively fulfilling the mission, but the duty to preach the gospel is of every baptized person. By baptisim we become missionaries. Therefore, we should waver in out trust, but to try to fulfill it right where we are by our words and action. Our demeanor should speak loud and clear the message of the gospel to those around us.

We can be missionaries by our participation in the liturgical celebration here in our parish gathering every Sunday, as well as other important festivities we commemorate. The gathering of the believers builds the body of Christ and reflects the universal church. We can be missionaries by sharing our resources to enhance the activities of the local as well as universal church. Our daily prayers unite us to God and his people.

Today, as we participate in dharing our resources with the univeral church, it should strenthen our commitment to build the "Church of God" throughout the world, especially among those nations and people who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is imperative that we follow the command of the Lord: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit".

It is a privileged to be part of God's plan to bring salvation to the nations. "Mission Sunday" reminds us of our vocation. Let us take this opportunity to strenthen our faith, our commitment and greater love for the missions.

Fr. Peter Fernandes,sfx (From the Pastor's Desk)