World Mission Sunday, observed by over one billion Catholics across the globe, is a significant occasion in the Church's calendar. This annual event, established 96 years ago in 1926 by a papal decree from Pope Pius XI, designates the entire month of October for contemplation and prayer dedicated to missions.
On this special day, Catholics come together to celebrate the Eucharist and contribute to a collection that supports evangelization efforts worldwide. World Mission Sunday serves as a poignant reminder of the crucial role of mission work within the Church and reinforces the idea that we are all connected, regardless of our individual circumstances, in carrying out Christ's mission.
For this year's World Mission Day, Pope Francis has selected the theme "Hearts on fire, feet on the move," drawing inspiration from the narrative of the disciples traveling to Emmaus as recounted in the Gospel of Luke. These disciples initially found themselves disoriented, but their encounter with Jesus through the Word and the breaking of bread reignited their fervent desire to return to Jerusalem and proclaim the resurrection of the Lord. Through this tale, we can explore three evocative images that mirror the journey of missionary disciples: hearts ablaze with zeal, eyes opened to the truth, and feet in constant motion. These three images beautifully encapsulate the essence of evangelization in today's world.
1. "Our hearts were burning within us as he explained the Scriptures to us." In the realm of missionary work, the Word of God has the power to illuminate and transform hearts.
On the road to Emmaus, the disciples were weighed down by sorrow due to Jesus's crucifixion. Nevertheless, in a display of divine mercy, Jesus approached them and walked beside them. This unwavering proximity of the Lord to His missionary disciples endures, even in times of confusion, discouragement, and doubt. Understanding the Scriptures is paramount to the Christian faith and the propagation of the Gospel. Missionaries must willingly allow the Risen Lord to guide them in comprehending the Scriptures, sparking the flames of faith in the hearts of those they encounter.
2. "Our eyes were opened, and we recognized Him in the breaking of the bread." The Eucharistic encounter with Jesus stands as the pinnacle of mission work.
The breaking of the bread served as the moment of epiphany for the disciples of Emmaus, enabling them to recognize Jesus. Although these actions resembled ordinary gestures of a Jewish household, they now held profound significance as they echoed the miracle of the loaves and, most importantly, symbolized the Eucharist—the sacrament of Christ's sacrificial death on the cross. Every missionary disciple is called to emulate Jesus, both in sharing the bread and in becoming the broken bread for the world. Christian mission entails extending the grace of the Eucharist to others.
3. "Our feet set out on the way, with the joy of telling others about the Risen Christ." The Church remains eternally youthful, constantly in motion.
Following their recognition of Jesus in the breaking of the bread, the disciples wasted no time and embarked on the journey back to Jerusalem to share their jubilant encounter with the Lord. Their enthusiasm to proclaim the Good News exemplifies how the joy of the Gospel fills the hearts of those who come into contact with Jesus. The mission of evangelization is a sacred duty of the Church, compelling it to spread the message of peace and salvation in Christ to a world plagued by injustice, division, and conflict.
Mission work signifies a call to missionary conversion for each and every member of the Church. Christ's love should serve as the inspiration for bearing witness to His life and resurrection. Each individual can contribute to this mission through prayer, action, material contributions, and personal testimony. The collection gathered on World Mission Sunday directly supports the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith.
Collaboration among missionaries at every level of the Church is vital to address the urgent needs of mission work. The ongoing synodal journey of the Church promotes missionary cooperation, guided by the principles of communion, participation, and mission.
Mission is fundamentally about sharing the joy of encountering the Risen Christ. Missionaries are entrusted with the task of venturing forth with fervent hearts, open eyes, and unwavering commitment to disseminate the Word of God, reveal Jesus through the Eucharist, and extend an invitation to all to traverse the path of peace and salvation offered by God through Christ.
On this World Mission Day, let us remember and invoke Our Lady of the Way, the Mother of Christ's missionary disciples and the Queen of Missions, as we collectively engage in the mission entrusted to us by the Lord.
Curtsey of Pope Francis by Dominic Wabwireh
