Message from Monsignor Ken, Rector, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kingston, Jamaica -- Reflections on Mission Sunday

Participation Necessary for Mission

By Msgr. Kenneth D. Richards

The celebration of mission Sunday is the occasion for each Catholic to commit/recommit to participation in the Church’s apostolate of proclaiming the Gospel to all peoples. This commitment or recommitment must be the response to the charge Jesus gives to His disciples: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to fulfill all I have commanded you. I am with you always until the end of this world" (Mt. 28: 19-20).

Mission is most effective when all members of the Church are involved in witnessing to the Gospel in all aspects of their lives. Therefore, each of us must nurture personal zeal to participate in the mission of the Church by renewing/ deepening our union with Jesus Christ through personal prayer that inflames our love for Him.

In addition, united action, necessary for effective mission activity, must be assured by nurturing faith in the real presence of Christ when celebrating the Eucharist. From these two actions we will be equipped to fulfill and make effective the proclamation of the Gospel to all people.