Introduction
I often find myself thinking about the Blues Brothers’ mantra: ‘We’re on a mission from God” and wondering of late about what people give up so that they can commit themselves to carrying out the mission God gives them. Recently, I came across the transcript of a homily given by Bishop Vincent Long, Bishop of the Diocese of Parramatta, New South Wales) and recognised in his teaching a confirmation of the reality of being a missionary disciple:
The God of our ancestors in faith does not shield us from the ebbs and flows of history. But neither does he remain unmoved by our changing fortunes. He leads us and empowers us to move beyond our fears to live a life of faith, hope, love and service. In Jesus, he calls us and forms us into living embodiment of the God who cares for his people.
The conversion of St Paul is celebrated on January 25. Leaving aside the dramatic nature of his conversion (Acts 9:1-22), St Paul encountered Christ and was given the grace he needed to abandon the worldview he had grown up with and which had governed his behaviour. In the words of Bishop Vincent, he was formed into the “living embodiment of the God who cares for his people.”
The Gospel
Jesus said to his followers, “Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved, but anyone who does not believe will be punished. And those who believe will be able to do these things as proof: They will use my name to force out demons. They will speak in new languages. They will pick up snakes and drink poison without being hurt. They will touch the sick, and the sick will be healed” (Mark 16:15-18 - New Century Version).
The Enquiry
See
Have you ever experienced saying goodbye to something you value so that you could commit yourself to something that you considered to be for the greater good? What happened?
What is the mission that Jesus gives to his followers? When will the mission be completed?
What does Jesus promise to those who believe the Good News? Does he want you to take him literally? What conclusion does he want you to draw from the examples that he gives?
Judge
What do you think about the mission and the consequences for those who believe the Good News?
What does your faith tell you about the mission Jesus has given to you? How do you interpret the promises he makes to those who follow him? How does your interpretation of his promises play out in your life?
What have you learned from this Gospel that encourages you to develop further your relationship with Jesus?
Act
What needs to change in the world that you experience (Or is it you that needs to change and if so, how?) so that the mission Jesus gives to his followers can be carried out as an act of worship?
What small action can you take that will contribute to bringing about this change? When and where will you carry out the action and how often?
Who can you involve in your action and how and when will you get them to participate in your action?
Author: Pat Branson
Image source: https://catholicpreaching.com/wp/st-pauls-paschal-conversion-ours-and-others-conversion-of-st-paul-january-25-2017/
Read more about the conversion of St Paul:
https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/seasons-and-feast-days/conversion-of-saint-paul-23084#