Lesson of the week: World Mission Sunday 2024

"Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet"

Are you ready to be a part of World Mission Sunday 2024?

Mission Sunday is always celebrated on the second to last Sunday of October. This year it will be marked on October 20th. World Mission Sunday is a special day that unites Catholics worldwide in prayer, soli-darity, and support for the Church's mission efforts.

This year's theme, chosen by Pope Francis, is rooted in the Gospel of Matthew: "Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet," reflecting the inclusive and urgent call to bring God's love to everyone. Join us in this universal mission to spread the Gospel and invite all to experience the joy of Christ's message! 

REFLECTION

Some people like to be in charge. Whether it is the person first to accept a new project at work or school, or the enthusiastic teammate who readily volunteers to organize an event, or the generous individual who always offers to assist, there are people all around who raise their hand and jump in when help is needed.

But being in charge presents certain temptations. Sometimes, in order to really get things done the leader has to be firm in setting expectations and correcting coworkers if everyone is not pulling their weight.

This might lead the boss to act with impatience or rudeness. At other times, the leader might fall into the trap of thinking that good was accomplished only because of them, and not the joint effort of the whole team working together as one unit.

We are reminded in the Gospel reading at today's Mass that Jesus is okay with someone stepping up and being in charge -- but Jesus is also very concerned that this person, the generous leader-volunteer, be aware of their attitude about responsibility. Quite simply, to the Christian, authority and leadership is not about being served by others or being the boss. It is about being of service *TO* others.

Today the Church universally celebrates World Mission Day, a yearly commemoration which highlights the important role missionary organizations and mission-oriented individuals have in sharing the Good News of God's Kingdom and working in co-operation with God to make the Kingdom more visible right now.

This year the Holy Father encourages us to consider how the work of the Missions is at heart one of invitation and hospitality. Meaning, the missionnary is effective when mission work lovingly and generously offers to share God's gifts with persons and communities who might not be aware of what those gifts are.

The work of Mission is not about force, control or status. It is fundamentality about open hospitality, an offering of an invitation into better, fuller life within the earthly setting we find now -- and, ultimately into the fullness of God's life in the Kingdom.

On World Mission Day we pay special attention to the organizations and individuals who do this work in places of dire need. But, in truth, each one of us is called to be a missionary. Each of us is asked by Christ to share with others our love and commitment to discipleship within the specific circumstances of our own lives.

The deeper our commitment to discipleship the more passionate our desire to share it with others can be. But in all this, we should take to heart the truth of the scriptures today. It is good to step up and take responsibility, but not in ways which "lord it over" others. Responsibility and authority in Christ are not about issuing commands or bullying. True Christian leadership is service of one another in response to the real earthly and spiritual needs of the world. (*)