With the Youth, We Proclaim the Gospel

LET US GO ON MISSION: Ish 60:1-6, Rom. 10:9-18, Mt. 28:16-20. On this Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, we celebrate the "World Mission Sunday", with the theme: “With the Youth, We Proclaim the Gospel to All”. This year's celebration, echoes the upcoming synod of bishops, scheduled from Oct. 3-28 in the Vatican City, with the theme: “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment”. Today is a day of prayer for the increase in vocation and concrete gestures of solidarity in support of the Churches in mission lands. In the message addressed to all Christians, but especially to young people, the Pope reminds us that “we are not in this world by our own choice...there is “an initiative that precedes us and makes us exist".

Each of us is called to reflect on the fact that ‘I am a mission on this Earth”. The second reading challenges us to make ourselves available for mission: "...and how are they to hear without a preacher? And how can men preach unless they are sent?" To be attracted and to be sent are two movements” of the heart that hold out promise for our future and give direction to our lives. Today's message is a clarion call for us to assume more responsibilities for World Mission Sunday because mission provides a golden opportunity to cultivate the missionary spirit among the faithful. It is an angible expression of solidarity to our brothers and sisters who are taking the Gospel to the “ends of the earth” and are working in difficult Mission territories.

May the Lord touch the hearts of many young people to make themselves available for mission! Amen!! Good morning and Happy Mission Sunday!!