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Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples and “sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go” (Lk 10:1).  From among his many disciples, Jesus also chose twelve as his apostles.  Jesus taught his disciples; he also sent them as his apostles, his missionaries to the world.  They were to speak in his name and conduct themselves as models of peace, charity and humility, proclaiming that “the Kingdom of God is near” (Lk 10:9).

Our Mission.  The apostolic task of Jesus’ first followers has been handed on to us.  As baptized Christians, we also must manifest the missionary zeal of the Apostles.  Today’s Gospel challenges us to be “the salt of the earth and the light of the world” (Mt 5:13-14).  We are to learn the ways of the Lord and proclaim the Good News to all peoples “in season and out of season” (2 Tim 4:2).  We are to show the essence of our faith by our very lives.

As contemporary missionaries of our Lord, we are to challenge the culture of modern times and those things that do not promote life, justice, and the dignity of humanity.  We have to courageously and faithfully hold on to the ways of the Gospel.  We have many brothers and sisters who are devoting their lives in this endeavor, but the task is not theirs alone.  It is our fraternal duty to support those who are offering their lives to bring the Good News to the “four corners of the earth” (Is 11:12).

Evangelization.  Being salt and light, is needed in all the various contexts of our Christian life—in our homes, schools, and workplaces, and through various media available to us.  We seek to be courageous witnesses of our faith to every individual we encounter.  We seek to let everyone appreciate that God is alive and is present in our midst by bearing good fruits in our lives.

Reflecting on today’s Gospel, Pope Francis asks: “What must a Christian do in order for the salt not to run out, so that the oil to light the lamp does not come to an end?”  The “battery” that a Christian uses to generate light, Francis explains, is simply “prayer.”  We may do many fine things, but “if you do not pray, it will be dark and dimly lit.”  Genuine prayer, prayer from the heart, assures that our light and salt will be in adequate supply.

An Outward Direction.  Pope Francis continues: “Both salt and light are for others, not for oneself; salt does not give flavor to itself; light does not illumine itself.”  Yet,

we may ask: How long does light and salt last as we continuously, generously give of ourselves?  Francis notes: “That is where the power of God comes in.”  In prayer we seek God’s abundant grace to “be light which illumines and salt that gives flavor and preserves.”

James H. Kroeger, M.M.

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

0nly by my being ever mindful

of your loving presence

and giving flesh to your Living Word

O God, my life, my hope, my redeemer

I become Salt of the earth and

Light to the world.

Like salt may my words and deeds

preserve what is true, good and holy

as well as add spice to everyday life.

Like light may I illuminate the world

and show others the way that leads

to healing, to love, and to You, my God.

Lord Jesus, from your birth and baptism,

through your sermons and suffering,

and by your Passion and Death on the Cross,

you lived and died for others, especially the poor and despised.

Help me always to do the same.

Amen.

Prayer by Father Joe Veneroso, M

ABOUT MARYKNOLL

We are a Catholic Society of priests and brothers based in the United States. We are dedicated to missionary work overseas in over 20 countries. Additionally, we animate Catholics in the United States to follow their own baptismal call to share God’s compassion and love with the poor, the sick, and all those in need.

OUR GENERAL COUNCIL

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Fr. Lance P. Nadeau, Fr. James M. Lynch, Fr. Timothy O. Kilkelly, Fr. Juan Montes Zúñiga)

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers is overseen by our General Council, led by Superior General Rev. Lance P. Nadeau, M.M.

OUR FOUNDERS

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Our Co-Founders Father Price and Father Walsh)

PLACES WE SERVE

EVANGELIZATION, PARISHES, AND PROJECTS

USA

STORIES OF MISSION

(Africa) Education and Formation of African Clergy

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Africa Region will provide tuition assistance to African clergy, male and female religious at institutes of higher education or specialized training. Read More

Stories of Our Global Mission

The calling of a lifetime

The life of a Maryknoll missioner is challenging, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding. Follow your baptismal call to mission by sharing God’s compassion with the poor, the sick, and people most in need.

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