This weekend the Church observes WORLD MISSION SUNDAY. According to the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: “In 1926 Pope Pius XI instituted Mission Sunday for the whole Church with the first worldwide Mission Sunday collection taking place in October 1927. The Mission Sunday collection is always taken on the next to last Sunday during the month of October. That day is celebrated in all the local Churches as the feast of catholicity and universal solidarity so Christians the world over will recognize their common responsibility with regard to the evangelization of the world.”
There has been a lot to focus us on our own city, state and nation: the pandemic, the hurting economy, racial injustices, climate change, and our national elections. So perhaps it is good that this year we give special attention to this worldwide effort, to stretch our horizons which have tended to narrow these last eight or so months.
We belong to a worldwide Church. No Christian, regardless of nation, is a foreigner to us, but rather kinfolk in the Lord. All Christians are members of the Body of Christ, a bond that is stronger, more real, and lasting than any bond of nation, political party, race, or even family ties.
We have a duty and an obligation to help spread the Good News of God’s saving love for us in Jesus Christ to all the corners of the globe, and to every person alive today. So this Mission Sunday I urge you to consciously broaden the horizons of your concern, beyond our state and nation to the entire world. I invited you to get inspired by visiting our “Mission Page” to learn about Sr. Dorothy Stang. We’ve posted and article and video about this courageous woman of faith.
Pray for all missionaries that they will not become discouraged by disappointing results, but be encouraged and strengthened by the Holy Spirt to boldly and effectively preach the Gospel. Work to share the faith you have with those around you. You too can be a missionary to your family, your neighborhood, your workplace. And give generously to support the missions all around the globe.
Happy World Mission Sunday! Let us remember we are part of something much bigger and greater than the small circle we see each day. God bless!
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