Readings:
1Cor 15:12-20, Ps.17, Luke 8:1-3
Rev.
Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.
YOUR CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE MISSION OF CHRIST WILL NOT BE IN VAIN
Jesus
involved a lot of people in his mission to saving humanity, some he called to
follow him, some desired to follow him but could not, while some decided to
follow him because of their personal experience of him and what they can gain
from him. But only few followed him in order to provide for him and contribute
towards the success of his mission. This is the dispositions and personality of
those involved in the mission of Christ in our Gospel passage today.
For
when Jesus made his way through towns and villages preaching, and proclaiming
the Good News of the kingdom of God. He went with his twelve disciples whom he
had called, as well as certain women who had experienced him personally through
his divine healing and deliverance. Along these groups are several others who
provided for them out of their own resources.
This
Gospel passage actually points out the nature of the mission of the Church in
proclaiming the word of God and our part in this mission. Thus, we are reminded
of how God has called us to follow Christ and contribute to the salvation of
humanity. And St. Paul in our first reading tells us that, if our hope in
Christ has been for this life only, we are the most unfortunate of all people.
But since Christ has in fact been raised from the dead, as the first-fruits of
all who have fallen asleep, we have a sure hope in his resurrection.
Thus
as children of eternal life, who are judged worthy of a place in the heavenly
Kingdom. So, we are to fully involved in the mission of Christ. For there are
men and women of our time who give themselves to noble causes. They give
themselves to the service of others: they are those who see to the good of
others and contribute to the growth of God’s Kingdom just like the women in our
Gospel passage today.
These
are people of noble cause, like parents who teach their children the ways of
the Lord by their practical way of life, like people who help the weak and the
vulnerable, like friends who speak the truth and stand by it and political and
Church leaders, who renounce power rather than compromise principles and uses
every opportunity they have to evangelize the people. May your contribution towards
the mission of Christ never be in vain
Dear
friends, are we really part of this mission of Christ? In what ways are we
supporting the mission of Christ in his Church ? Are we ready to contribute
towards this mission by our ways of life? Do we desired to be part of this
mission but lack the courage and discipline? Or do we think that this mission
is not for us?
The
fact remains that as baptized persons, it is our obligation to carryout this
mission and it is not optional. It is an obligation we must carryout
irrespective of our status, position, environment and deposition, just like St.
Andrew Kim Taegon and Companions whose memorial we celebrate today. For they
gave up their lives during the persecution of Christians in Korea as light of
faith for the people and so illuminate the darkness of sin and wickedness.
LET US
PRAY: Lord God, the women in our Gospel today involved in your mission and
contributed towards the success of evangelization because they have experienced
your love and mercy and wished to reciprocate this love, help us through the
intercessions of St. Andrew Kim Taegon and Companions to also realized how much
of your love and mercy we have enjoyed and so be deposed to embrace and
contribute to the mission of our salvation. We ask this through Christ our
Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed day.
No comments:
Post a Comment