St Francis Xavier

"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest." Mt 9:8

Educated in faith before the Second Vatican Council, too many of us reserve the word missionary to those who like St Francis Xavier leave their homeland, cultures and families and travel around the world announcing the Good News of Jesus Christ. While it is good to honor those women and men who have given their lives to cross cultural and overseas mission, the word mission simply means sent, and we are all sent at Baptism to, "Go and make disciples of all nations." (Mt 28:19)

At the end of every mass, when the priest or deacon echoes the words of Jesus, saying "Go in peace and announce the Gospel of the Lord," it does not merely mean that mass is over and we ought to rush for our cars or the religious ed program or the nearest diner for breakfast.  Rather, it challenges us, having been renewed in our faith by sharing God's word and the Eucharist, to bring the Good News to those who have never heard it, forgotten it or rejected it.

Further, we are to announce the Good News without fear. Relying on the Lord to give us the words and lifestyles that allow others to know the God who has come to set us free, we become the body of Christ on earth by living the Gospel every day.

Today, ask to be sent as you are to those who have never heard the Gospel.

How do you live the life of a missionary in your daily life?