Our Mission!
July 14, 2024, 15th Sunday in ordinary Time. Year B. Amos 7:12-15; Ps. 85; Eph. 1:3-14; Mark 6:7-13
On this 15th Sunday we focus on the missionary church. The word mission designates an important assignment to be carried out. The first reading tells us the story of Amos, a shepherd and farmer from Tekoa. Amos is called by God to be a prophet in Israel at Bethel, the house of God. In his message, while advocating for true worship and righteousness, he condemns social injustices and false worship. The prophet Amos criticizes the rich for oppressing the poor and the leaders of the land for their corruption. In a world filled with injustices, the message of prophet Amos remains relevant. We are invited to act justly, help those in need, and be sincere in our faith and worship, by living out our faith by action!
The Psalm 85 that we read this Sunday focuses on God’s desire for peace and justice. Just as Jesus sent out the apostles to spread His message and heal in pairs, this prayer of the psalmist reminds us of our role in promoting God’s peace and justice. It highlights the importance of forgiveness, mercy, and working towards a just world. Lord help us to be active in promoting peace in our lives and communities. Yes, peace seems impossible, but it is our future.
The Church’s mission and our mission is from God. Just as he called Amos in the first reading, Jesus calls and sends the twelve apostles out into the world with clear instructions. (Mark 6:7-13).
must go two by two. According to the Jewish custom, a credible witness is that which is held by at least two people. Moses stated, "Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established" (Deuteronomy 19:15). Evangelization is therefore a community act and not just of one individual. Jesus also asked his Apostles to only carry what is essential, not even bread and money. To follow Jesus we must trust him totally and be available for the mission - free from any form of selfishness and attachments. Finally, Jesus tells us that our missions will not be free from persecutions. Our mission this Sunday is to announce the Good news of love, forgiveness and peace in spite of the opposition.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us to hear Your call and respond with faith. Give us the courage to follow where You lead. Help us to trust in Your care and share Your message of love with others. Amen.
Living the Gospel this week. Ephesians 1: 3-14
This week we can focus on how we respond to God’s love for us. “He chose us before the foundation of the world”!
The truth is that we are chosen, redeemed, even sealed with the Holy Spirit. We are blessed with spiritual riches. Think of the blessings of God!
Let‘s live a holy life and share God’s love with others!
Dear friends in Christ, our mission is to heed God’s call to us, to know him, love, serve him, and trust fully his guidance so that we may become holy.
Loving Father in heaven, I pray for the grace to hear your call to bring love and peace into the world. Lord, give me your courage. Come Holy Spirit!
Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC