“WORLD MISSION SUNDAY — “ONE IN CHRIST, UNITED IN MISSION”
Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday marks the 100th World Mission Day, and our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV has chosen the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission,” reminding us that missionary work is not distant or foreign to our faith; it is at the very heart of what it means to be a Catholic.
The Word of God for Sunday speaks directly to this calling. Prophet Isaiah (Is 45:1,4-6) tells us that God raises up unexpected people for His purposes. Saint Paul writes to the Thessalonians (1 Thess 1:1-5b) with gratitude for their “work of faith and labor of love”, words that describe authentic missionary living. And in the Gospel, Jesus teaches a profound lesson: “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God” (Mt 22:21). Everything we have belongs to God, and mission is our grateful response.
Pope Leo XIV reminds us from his own experience as a missionary: “Being a Christian is not primarily about practices or ideas; it is a life in union with Christ.” This union with Jesus naturally leads to mission. The Holy Father is clear: “No baptized person is exempt from mission, everyone, according to their own vocation, participates in the great work Christ has entrusted to His Church.”
Whether you are a parent, a student, a professional, or retired, you have a role in this mission. Mission happens at home, in your workplace, in your neighborhood, wherever Christ calls you to witness and serve. Our witness to Christ’s love is the most powerful missionary tool we possess.
The Pope also teaches us that “if unity is the condition of mission, love is its essence.” We go out not to conquer or impose, but to love, because God first loved us. This is what sets Christian mission apart from all other movements.
Let us remember that our generous support towards Pontifical Mission Societies support missionary work worldwide. Let us support generously. Our prayers and contributions sustain priests, religious, and lay missionaries who are answering Christ’s call in distant lands.
Let us embrace this centenary moment as an invitation to deepen our own union with Christ and to live out our baptismal mission more faithfully.
Let us not forget to pray for the foreign-born Priests and their families, who are serving in this Diocese as missionaries. Being away from home, family and friends is not easy and they are here to serve you with dedication, sacrifice and commitment. Let us take a moment to appreciate and pray for them.
We Reflect:
In what area of your daily life, family, work, neighborhood, can you witness more boldly to Jesus Christ this week?
How does understanding that “everything belongs to God” change the way you think about your time, talents, and resources?
What does it mean for you personally to be “one in Christ” with missionaries around the world, and how does that unity call you to action?