The Mission of the Church
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
According to the Gospel of Matthew, these are the final words of Jesus before He ascended to take his place at the right hand of His Father in heaven. These instructions also come with a great promise: “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Ten days later, the first disciples were blessed as a strong driving wind filled their place of waiting, tongues as of fire rested on their heads, and the Holy Spirit filled their entire being. From that point on, it was green-light-go!!
This Great Commission is the mission of the Church and the mission of each of her individual members. You are the salt of the earth! You are the light of the world! The fire of Christ in your heart burns only as brightly as it is shared. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden! Each of us is called by Christ to share the grace we have received with those around us so that everyone can come to know Christ and grow closer to Him through His Church. This mission is not optional!
That being said…we also use the term “missions” to speak of
organized and intentional outreaches to the world. Think of something like a group of Religious Sisters who set up shop in a third world country to provide education or health care services to those in need. Much like the mission of a Christian individual, the “Missions” that the Church supports are incredibly varied.
In the Diocese of Wichita, we financially support these Missions by setting aside a portion of ordinary parish collections. Certain missions are chosen for our collective support at the discretion of the Bishop. In this way, we aid organized Missions far and wide while avoiding the need to have “second collections” at Mass throughout the year.
This weekend, Fr. Babu Pinninti (Fr. Bob) has been sent by the Diocese to our parishes to speak about his role as a Missionary priest. Fr. Bob is from India and a member of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales. He is currently serving as Pastor of St. Paul-Lyons and Holy Name-Bushton. Fr. Bob is here simply to say thank you for our support of the Missionary work of the Church. Please give him a warm welcome!
