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Dear Fathers, Friends in Christ,
Acts 16:11-15
Psalm 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b
John 15:26-16:4a
Troas . . . Neapolis . . . Philippi.
These ancient cities mentioned in today's first reading may seem like exotic ports of call to our modern ears. Compared to them, your city or village or suburb may not seem nearly as exciting. Yet, you too can be a missionary, just like the early apostles. Yes, you! You, me, and all of us!
Our words and our example as we live as Catholic Christians can be a light in the darkness to people today, just as the apostles were in the early Church. People in places like Philippi needed to hear the gospel. People today in your city, your neighborhood, your place of work, where you shop or congregate, also need to hear the gospel.
People themselves don't change very much. No matter what century it is, people all need the good news of Jesus. The means of spreading the gospel may change . . . just look at how you are reading this! But the gospel message itself remains the same . . . the same hope in our world of despair . . . the same light in the darkness of today. So let's go about spreading the best news in the world: the news of Jesus Christ!
O Lord, help me to see today that where I live and work and play is also a mission field! Help me to speak, act, and live out my belief in You, and to carry the good news of You to everyone I meet today. In Your holy name, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Father Ed Bakker
Anglican Catholic Church/Original Province
Mission of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne
Bendigo
Australia
