Mission in Scripture

Missionary Union of Priest & Religious

Mission In Scripture

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Gospel Mk 2:1-12

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days,
it became known that he was at home.
Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them,
not even around the door,
and he preached the word to them.
They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.
Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd,
they opened up the roof above him.
After they had broken through,
they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic,
"Child, your sins are forgiven."
Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves,
"Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming.
Who but God alone can forgive sins?"
Jesus immediately knew in his mind
what they were thinking to themselves,
so he said, "Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?
Which is easier, to say to the paralytic,
'Your sins are forgiven,'
or to say, 'Rise, pick up your mat and walk?'
But that you may know
that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth"
-he said to the paralytic,
"I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home."
He rose, picked up his mat at once,
and went away in the sight of everyone.
They were all astounded
and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this."

Mission in Scripture

February 22, 2012

Ash Wednesday

Link to Readings

Lent is a time to reflect, so as to draw closer to our Lord. It is a time to pay attention to the Scripture message of His unfailing love and generous forgiveness. Many of us think that because we believe in Jesus Christ as our Redeemer and lead decent, moral lives, there is little more that Lent can teach us. Yet we can deepen our spirituality, if we open our hearts to our Lord’s invitation to grow in faith, hope and love. Each day of Lent offers us an opportunity to say “Yes!” to God’s holy plans for us.

It is only human for us to put off any thing that may be demanding. But our Lord wants us to know the peace and joy of more fully embracing our trust in Him. “Be reconciled to God.… Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 5:20, 6:2). We can choose to better use each day from now until Easter to pray, to think, to act as loyal followers of Christ. And we can invite others to do the same.

Suggested missionary action: This Lent, let us resolve to pray, to fast and to perform acts of charity. For our good and that of others, let us focus on our faith – giving all we have to the Lord, especially for His most needy.

February 26, 2012

First Sunday of Lent
Link to Readings

God’s complete and everlasting concern for His children is revealed in each of today’s readings. Just as the rainbow becomes a sign of the covenant between God and His people, baptism also offers a special relationship with Him. As believers, we have the gift of being members of the body of Christ. As we follow Him in faith, hope and love, our attitudes and our actions must reflect His gentle mercy and courageous truth. “Christ suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that He might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, He was brought to life in the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18).

While we are now focused on Christ’s Passion, we must never lose sight of His Resurrection. The Son of God opened the gates of heaven for all. This is our time to offer the blessed gift of salvation to others, especially those in the Missions through our prayers and offers for those who share His Gospel.

Suggested missionary action: As we journey through Lent, let us say a prayer those people who have yet to know Jesus. Let us also pray for those dedicated missionaries who bring the hope and love of Jesus to a world of need.