“The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’” Luke Chapter 17, Verse 5
Friend, here is our October theme: “Baptized and sent.” And here’s my message: “Bring the compassion of Our Lord to everyone you know because Christ promised us the gift of salvation. Then, be joyful as God’s love continues to grow.”
Welcome to the Extraordinary Month of Mission!
Our Holy Father Pope Francis invites each of us to practice our faith a little more deeply, with a little more fervor this month. Here’s why: In order to increase our faith, as Luke says, we must go out to others. That’s what mission is—a personal relationship with Jesus impelling us to be more and do more in his name. He is asking you to be his personal ambassador.
Proclaiming mission is something we were gifted in baptism. So our Holy Father has come up with four ways—one for each week of October—to renew our mission spirit now and for the rest of our lives.
Here’s the first one: Have a personal encounter with the living Jesus Christ. Pope Francis says we do this through the Eucharist and then through prayer and meditation. So receive Him in Communion as often as you can. Then pray throughout the day. If it helps, find a prayer partner or join a prayer group. There are so many ways to praise the living Christ and give thanks. And so many ways to experience God’s infinite love.
Dear friend, I can’t think of a better plan for beginning our Extraordinary Month of Mission: prayer and the Eucharist. What energizes me is just knowing that people of faith throughout the world are praying with us. May this week bring you extraordinary blessings. How can it be otherwise!
Prayer for 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Draw me closer, Lord, to You.
Open the eyes of my heart
to see, recognize, and love You
in the Eucharist by first helping me
see You in the poor, the refugee,
the sick, and the sorrowing.
Draw me closer, Lord, to You.
Open my mind to discover You
in the wonders of the world around me:
the mountains, forests, seas,
fields, deserts, rivers, flowers,
birds, fish, and animals.
Draw me closer, Lord, to You.
Fill my soul with Your peace
as I offer You my prayers of praise,
thanksgiving, petition, and penance
that whether awake or asleep
I might dwell in Your merciful love.
Amen.
Prayer by Maryknoll Father, Joseph Veneroso
Next week’s mission lesson: Building our faith with the testimony of the saints.
This is Father Ray Finch saying thank you for taking your journey of faith with me today. Until next time, you are always in my prayers
Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M.
