Shanborlang Mawrie csc –
Readings: Sir 35:15b-17,20-22a; 2Tim 4:6-8,16-18; Lk 18:9-14
Through Baptism, all of us are called to be missionaries, witnessing Christ to all. But first of all, we need to be persons of prayer because only prayer can help us to be effective missionaries. As we celebrate the mission Sunday, we are reminded that we are responsible for the growth of the church.
One of the documents of the second Vatican council (Ad Gentes) says “The church on earth is by its very nature missionary since, according to the plan of the Father, it has its origin in the mission of the Son and the Holy Spirit.” The mission is the plan of God for all of us. It comes from the very heart of God to enter into a relationship with us. Through prayer we speak to him freely like children with parents. We see in the gospel today, the prayers of the Pharisee and tax collector. Prayer should transform us to become good people. Our prayers should send us out to love in return for God’s love for us.
As Christians, if we think that just by being faithful to the prayer and Eucharist we could be saved, we would be wrong like the Pharisees who exalted themselves but failed to see the needs of others. We need to humble ourselves like the tax collector. With a simple heart he acknowledged his sin and begged for mercy.