World Mission Day – Go into the whole world and proclaim gospel to every creature. (Mk 16,15)
WORLD MISSION DAY
First reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah
Is 53:10-11
The LORD was pleased
to crush him in infirmity.
If he gives his life as an offering for sin,
he shall see his descendants in a long life,
and the will of the LORD shall be accomplished through him.
Because of his affliction
he shall see the light in fullness
of days;
through his suffering, my servant shall justify many,
and their guilt he shall bear.
Heb: 4: 14-16
Second reading from the letter to the Hebrews
Heb 4:14-16
Brothers and sisters:
Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens,
Jesus, the Son of God,
let us hold fast to our confession.
For we do not have a high priest
who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,
but one who has similarly been tested in every way,
yet without sin.
So let us confidently approach the throne of grace
to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.
Gospel (Mk 16:15-20)
He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.
These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages.
They will pick up serpents [with their hands], and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.
But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.
The Gospel of the Lord: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.
The Word of God for Everyone
Dear People of God,
Today is Mission Sunday, the Church dedicates it to praying for the mission. Missioning is the nature of the Church. Therefore, every Christian has the responsibility and duty to evangelize, that is, to bring God’s love to everyone.
Today’s Word of God talks about Jesus giving His power to the apostles before He ascended to heaven. He instructed them: when they go out to preach, they must live according to what He taught, so that the power and strength of God can be shown to those who have lived and are living according to God’s teachings. Only the power and strength of the Supreme God can make Satan afraid and come out of the souls they hold captive.
God wants to tell all humanity: He is the Father who loves everyone. God gave power and strength to the apostles and to all those who absolutely believe in His power; that is, to have power over Satan and to heal all diseases and infirmities; but on one condition: those who follow Jesus must live and do what God teaches, then that power and strength will be shown in their words and actions when exercising Satan and healing diseases.
When those who use the name of God to exorcize Satan, they are only instruments that God uses. Therefore, those who are chosen and given power by God must be aware of their sinful condition, aware that they are only imperfect servants chosen and given power by God. Thus, those who use the name of God to exorcize demons and heal diseases must not be complacent or arrogant; because Satan will take advantage of human weakness to tempt, stalk and steal the souls of those people.
Hence, the Word of God today warns the apostles and all those who are following Jesus: be alert in all places and at all times, be alert to your words, actions and deeds when casting out Satan. Always put God above all things, and obey and practice according to the words of God, then Satan will have to submit. Because they only fear the light of God’s words, they fear the power and strength of God manifested in the disciples who carry out His commandments.
The Word of God today warns everyone: in every thought, word, action and deed, always do it for the glory of God; do not do it for your own glory, do not fall into the temptations and traps of Satan; because they make people yearn for honor and worldly glory, and then overshadow the name of God.
God warns His disciples: always be aware of your sinful condition when being chosen by God to participate in His work; and when you are given the power and strength to drive out Satan, heal all diseases for your brothers and sisters, then be awake to listen and practice the words of God, do exactly as He commands, then Satan will not be able to harm those who are carrying out God’s commands.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
