Ideal Mission!

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Jb 19:21-27; Lk 10:1-12

Today’s Gospel highlights the characteristics of an ideal Christian mission. 

The instructions of Jesus render the passage a comprehensive outlook for a successful mission. 

We can derive at least five characteristics of responsible missionary behaviour. 

1.Solidarity: The disciples are sent out in pairs. For Jesus, God’s mission thrives when the proclamation is built on missionary solidarity. Inspired by this, Paul and Barnabas became missionary companions later. 

2. Representation: Jesus sends his disciples to places he himself intends to visit. Hence, his disciples are expected to prepare the ground for the coming of Jesus. Viewed thus, our mission is to faithfully represent Jesus and carry out his intentions. 

3. Providence: Jesus teaches his disciples to rely on God’s providence. God’s mission is cared for by God Himself. Self-reliance is good. However, awareness of our limitations must enable our reliance on God to help us in every situation. 

4. Peace: Jesus wants his disciples to be carriers of peace. Knowing Jesus and knowing peace are not two different things. Hence, we are invited to share generously the peace of Christ with everyone around. Announcing peace is announcing Christ himself. 

5. Forbearance: Following Jesus, who was a sign opposed by many, we cannot expect anything different. Hence, being a missionary of Christ calls for putting up with resistance or opposition with patience. C.H. Spurgeon said, ‘Better, burn for Christ than turn from Christ.’

Let us pray that our meditation may help us imbibe the characteristics of an ideal mission. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar