World Mission Sunday
First reading: Is. 45:1,4–6
Thus says the LORD to his anointed, Cyrus, whose right hand I grasp, subduing nations before him, and making kings run in his service, opening doors before him and leaving the gates unbarred: For the sake of Jacob, my servant, of Israel, my chosen one, I have called you by your name, giving you a title, though you knew me not. I am the LORD and there is no other, there is no God besides me. It is I who arm you, though you know me not, so that toward the rising and the setting of the sun people may know that there is none besides me. I am the LORD, there is no other.
Second reading: 1 Th. 1:1–5b
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: grace to you and peace. We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father, knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, how you were chosen. For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction.
Gospel: Mt. 22:15–21
The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech. They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion, for you do not regard a person’s status. Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” Knowing their malice, Jesus said, “Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax.” Then they handed him the Roman coin. He said to them, “Whose image is this and whose inscription?” They replied, “Caesar’s.” At that he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
In other words
Fr. Carlos Macatangga, SVD (Canada)
Today, the Church joyfully observes World Mission Sunday—a profound reminder of our sacred calling to carry forth the mission of the Redeemer.
Our lives must mirror His unwavering fidelity and obedience to the Father, embodying the essence of His divine purpose.
We are all cherished children of God, and we hold onto the hope that, upon the culmination of our earthly pilgrimage, we will be welcomed back into the glorious city of God. This hope fuels our hearts and ignites our fervent prayers.
On this Mission Sunday, we are invited to reflect on how we can actively participate in Jesus’ mission within the tapestry of today’s world. Let the Word of God serve as the bedrock upon which we construct our lives of faith. May we be open to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, empowering us to reach out to those longing for faith, those who have wandered off course, and to the vibrant Generations Z and Alpha. Let us become beacons of hope for all, especially for those facing life’s stormy trials.
In this challenging era filled with deception, fear, hostility, discrimination, violence, indifference, and overwhelming atrocities, we are called to illuminate the darkness with the radiant LIGHT of Christ. We are sent forth to nurture a culture of love, reminding each person of their inherent goodness and our shared capacity for love and acceptance.
In the Second Reading, St. Paul reminds us: “For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with deep conviction.”
Called by the Father, sent forth by Jesus, and guided by the Spirit, let us embrace our role as joyful missionary disciples, fervently sharing the Good News with everyone!
A Blessed Mission Sunday to all!