October, missionary month

We are in October, month of the missions. Jesus Christ is the mission, sent from the Father as the great missionary to proclaim life, peace and love. He did not come to condemn the world, but to save it (cf. Jn 3,17). This is the theme that guides the missionary month in our Church in Brazil, in the dioceses and in the ecclesial missionary communities. Mission is part of our being Church, because Christ wants to see us as missionaries at the service of all, especially those who need it most; in search of the salvation of all, like churches going out, shepherds who smell the sheep, as our Pope Francis tells us.

The mission of Jesus Christ is a mission of unity and communion with human beings, in fraternity with the person of Jesus Christ. This is why He seduced me, called me and sent me on this missionary path, to do with enthusiasm, joy and daring. Even in the midst of situations that present themselves to discourage or stop me, there is a strength within me that comes to my rescue when I fall, and helps me continue on the path, with determination.

From the beginning of his public life, Jesus had people, disciples, men and women whom he called to follow him more closely and, in this missionary life of departure and arrival, to come and go, I feel the help to children at risk, social vulnerability, suffering families, disoriented, discouraged, needing everything: attention, importance, relief, by listening, words of enthusiasm, comfort and valuing of dignity, single women without work, raising their children, without a voice or a place in society. Faced with so much suffering, I gave my time to listen, visit, listen, support, relieve, even heal as the master taught his disciples. I feel on this path like Jesus by my side.

Evangelist Luke introduces us to “Jesus traveling through towns and villages, proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom of God. The twelve were with him and also some women.” In different places and towns, “missionary candles” are organized, paths where the mission is given in the street or with the family.

The mission is important for the encouragement of communities, the fraternal experience of following Jesus Christ. The CNBB stresses the need to build ecclesial missionary communities in the most varied environments, which are houses of the Word, of Bread, of Charity and open to missionary action (DGAE 2019-2023, n. 33).

The mission is Jesus Christ so that the missionary month encourages all the faithful to meet the Lord and to make the mission our commitment to bring together the good news of the Kingdom and the salvation of the many people who cry, with sad eyes, needy, suffering. It is my journey as a Franciscan Missionary of Our Lady, a presence that animates the elderly, young people, children, families, all those who appear in my journey of abandonment in faith and hope.

May the will of our good God be realized in our lives, in our Region of Brazil!