Thirtieth Sunday of the Year: C: Mission Sunday: October 23, 2022

                                 THE MISSION

The celebration of the Mission Sunday is a reminder for all of us regarding our duty to live our faith and to share it with others.

First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-6

Second Reading: Romans 10: 9-18

Gospel Reading: Matthew 28: 16-20

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks about the light that has come to Israel when the whole world is in darkness. Nations and Kings will come to Israel to see this light. The prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfillment in Jesus the true light.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul emphatically states that believing in Jesus and professing that He is the Lord is necessary for our salvation. Others can come to faith in Jesus only if there are people to preach the message of Christ to them. Paul reminds all Christians to preach the message of Jesus to non-believers so that everyone can be saved. 

Preach the Gospel to all nations                                                                               Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The mission command of Jesus to His disciples is narrated. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gives His mission command to the disciples. They are asked to go to all nations:To preach and to make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Jesus makes it imperative for all His disciples to preach to all nations. Hence by this command the Lord removes all obstacles and distinction between Jews and people of other nations so that everyone can be part of His heavenly Kingdom. The Lord thus commands His disciples to go to a distance in order to spread the good news in every part of the world. Thus the prophecy of Isaiah (49:6) 'I shall make you a light to all nations so that my salvation may reach the remotest corners of earth' comes to fulfillment. Hence it is the duty of every Christian to continue the mission entrusted to the disciples by the Lord Jesus. On this Mission Sunday, the Church reminds all members about this sacred duty so that everyone will come to know that Jesus is indeed the saviour of the world. In the final section to today's Gospel Jesus promises His abiding presence with His disciples till the end of times. 

"The Church by its very nature is missionary." - Vatican II (AD2)

"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." - St. Francis Assisi

"A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history." - M.K. Gandhi