What should we do?

Scripture references

• Isaiah 45:4-6

• 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5

• Matthew 22:15-21

Reflection

Today we observe World Mission Sunday.  What better time to reflect on the role of the church – that’s every one of us – to remember that we are not alone, and that the vast majority of those who follow in the footsteps of Jesus, and those who are responsible for much of our luxury, are all our brothers and sisters in Christ.

During this liturgy, we will also celebrate the baptism of some new members for our Church.  Charles Louiseize, Sarah Reid, and Paul and Darlene Seccaspina have brought their children Alexis Kathleen and Michael Anthony to this Mass and asked that they become God’s precious children.  Together with these parents, each one of us here today and indeed all those who follow Christ should play a part from this day onward in teaching these children about the awesome relationship of love that Jesus came to tell us about.

In the words of the prophet Isaiah, it is Jesus who calls these children, who calls all of us by name (Is 45:4) and invites us to embark upon the journey of faith.  How do we live this faith, you may ask – by recognizing the importance of always maintaining a relationship with Jesus in prayer, and by teaching our children, our family and our friends the value of turning to God in times of celebration as well as in times of trial.

Living a life of faith, like being a parent, is a labour of love (1 Thes 1:3) which we accept joyfully on the day of our baptism, and which we live each day of our lives.  It is by means of this faith, and our relationship in prayer with Jesus, that we learn to hear his voice, to see his hand in creation, to cooperate with him in giving to God the praise that is due to him (Mt 15:21) for all that we have been given.