Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear brothers and sisters,

The Lord Jesus had one vision in mind: to set the world on fire (Lk 12:49). This fire will not harm humanity but make it truly alive, capable of enjoying Life in abundance (Jn 10:10), partaking in His same Joy (Jn 15:11), being set free from inner slavery (Jn 8:32) and becoming One as we can never imagine (Jn 17: 21). 

For this Fire to run through the souls of all men and women the Lord Jesus chose disciples (learners) and formed them to be His apostles (missionaries). For this we need to be formed, to gradually and patiently GROW. We need to spend quality time with the Master doing as the first christians did (Acts 2:42-47):

·       Breaking the Bread (Eucharist and other sacraments) in Community

·       Studying the apostles teachings with open minds and hearts

·       Praying boldly and intimately, together with Mary

·       Exercising virtuous friendship (Bible studies, etc.)

At the beginning we might have had the idea that being a christian was something passive. We might have opposed “disciple” and “missionary”. But, are the words “missionary” and “disciple” opposed? “Disciple” implies remaining with, being with, sounds like passive, while “Mission” implies just the opposite, a being sent, going out, going forth. The reality is that this contradiction is only apparent. Only at first sight they are mutually exclusive.

The gospels tell us that Jesus called them  “to be with Him, and to be sent out to preach.” They must be with Him in order to get to know Him; in order to attain that intimate acquaintance with Him, a perception of His and our uniqueness. This GROWTH and maturity will allow us to understand that in the measure that I am sent outside my comfort zone I can remain more intimately united with Him. Going forth to love and serve my friends and enemies I become more deeply rooted and grounded in Him. Nothing is opposed here, remaining and going forth, if we are determined to GROW as one in the community of believers.

Have a blessed Missionary Discipleship month!!

Fr. Remi Morales