WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
“Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).
With similar words, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John each offer this same invitation. This sacred task is placed before us. No borders, no boundaries, no one left out and no one unworthy.
The invitation of Pope Leo XIV also comes to mind. His motto for this Sunday invites us to step forward in a particular way. We are invited to serve as “Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples.”
Today, we might focus on the way in which these two invitations join together, bringing strength, energy and commitment to our footsteps. First and foremost, we receive these gifts for ourselves. Our capacity to share the gospel – the good news – depends on our capacity to receive the precious and life-giving good news for ourselves. Our capacity to be a missionary of hope depends on our capacity to personally receive the precious gift of hope. Always aware of our personal need for grace, we become ever more able to be hope-filled bearers of the good news.
The grace that St. Paul understood to be sufficient in our weakness. The grace that reminds us of the words Jesus offered: “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). With abundant mercy, that grace is offered, fresh and new each morning.
Today, we might focus on the gifts and graces that have come our way, allowing us the privilege of standing and serving. We are invited to stand alone before God. We are not to spend time comparing ourselves to others, judging that we are worse or better than another.
Who am I?
Why am I here?
What do You want me to do?
If I might be brave enough to share a very short version of the Ignatian practice of the Examen. Every day, taking a few minutes to consider who I am, and to whom I belong. To consider the ways in which I have cooperated with the grace of the Holy Spirit, and the ways in which I have frustrated the work of the Spirit. To ask for the grace to continue standing, staying upright. To listen, with honesty and integrity, for the “go ahead.” Only then, moving forward, stepping into the mission to which I am called.
We ask for the grace to know when to speak and when to act. To know when to wait. To know when to leave something unsaid. To ask for the grace to act with Christ-like wisdom, and to move forward with the strength that comes from God. To listen, fully attentive to the Spirit, who is with us, guiding our every step along the way.
And yet, we have all “messed up” along the way. Sometimes, we “mess up” in a big way. We have a choice. We can follow in the footsteps of Judas, who had no hope. He gave up. Or we can follow in the footsteps of Peter, who wept bitterly over his mistakes and missteps. Peter received the courage to stand up and try again.
The world needs us. The world needs the gifts we have to offer. Our time, talent and treasure. All we are, and all we have.
We start with where we are, and with what we have. With hope-filled prayer and an ever-growing sense of trust, we listen. We hear, fresh and new, the words of invitation. We ask for the grace to bear good fruit that will last.
We do not do it alone. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to encourage and support one another. Ever wiser and stronger, we offer our lives, gifts and resources toward the great mission Christ has set before us. Jesus often repeated this instruction:“Follow me.”
We listen. We respond. We trust. God’s grace will be sufficient for us.
Living as people of hope, we quietly renew our yes.
Brenda Merk Hildebrand has a deep passion for lifelong learning, education, and spiritual and palliative care. She appreciates the opportunities that have come her way to share life’s transforming journey with others: one-with-one, through intentional group settings, in animating workshops and retreats, and by way of her writing. Brenda is a long-time contributor to Living with Christ.
