mission-minded?
"...so that toward the rising and the setting of the sun men may know that there is none besides Me." —Isaiah 45:6
On this World Mission Sunday, the Church asks us as Christians what our relationship is to the nations of the world. We must give the nations what belongs to them (see Mt 22:21). Especially, we must give Jesus to the nations, for He belongs to all people and we all belong to Him (see 1 Cor 3:21-23). Therefore, Jesus commands us to "make disciples of all the nations" (Mt 28:19) and "tell His glory among the nations" (Ps 96:3). We must "say among the nations: The Lord is King" (Ps 96:10) so that the "families of nations" may "give to the Lord glory and praise" (Ps 96:7).
Are you giving the nations their due? Do you pray daily for all nations "to be saved and come to know the truth?" (1 Tm 2:4) Do you love and befriend people from other nations in your schools, businesses, and neighborhoods? Are you praying for yourself and others to become local or foreign missionaries? Do you give substantial offerings to further the Church's missionary outreach?
One of Jesus' last and greatest commandments is: "Make disciples of all the nations" (Mt 28:19). By grace, in love, and for Jesus — do it!
Prayer: Father, send the Spirit to make me a witness for Jesus and a missionary (Acts 1:8).
Promise: "Our preaching of the gospel proved not a mere matter of words for you but one of power; it was carried on in the Holy Spirit and out of complete conviction." —1 Thes 1:5
Praise: Praise be to "our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory be to Him now and to the day of eternity!" (2 Pt 3:18)
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Mission Impossible or our audio AV 46-1 or video V-46.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 24, 2014
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