It is 5th October 2019. The readings are from Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29; and the Gospel from Luke 10:17-24. As the punishment of God is not for a destruction of a human soul so the pastoral success of the missionary endeavour is certain for those who work selflessly. The first reading teaches us that God who punishes us is very one heals us when we show visible signs of repentance in our life. God’s punishments are curative not cumulative. God recognises us as the citizens of heaven when we work for the mission of the Lord and for the evangelisation of the Word. In every tiny way, we need to be missionary just because God has blessed us and embraced us as his children by the Sacrament of Baptism. In virtue of our initial Sacrament, we are obliged to take the Lord to every nook and corner of the world. Let us not be satisfied in worshiping Christ Jesus in the one corner of our hearts and homes. It is the most urgent time of the year that calls us to do something we never did ever before in inculcating our faith. Yes, our faith is the foundation for our missionary efforts yet our theological and biblical formation are also so much required and of importance to be fruitful missionaries for the kingdom of God. When we have the right relationship with God through Jesus, we can invite others to experience the same. Our communion and joy of the evangelisation is the proof of our faith in God and Jesus. Our personal and intimate relationship with Jesus is the celebration of the evangelisation. The Gospel brings out such joy in the missionary work that brought enormous change in the life of others. When the name of the Lord is proclaimed without any selfish agenda, there is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on those who listen and believe in Him. God wants our names to be written in heaven for having undertaken such strenuous missionary activities that brings the desired changed in other for meeting Christ. Discovering the impact of our faith through our love, intimacy, compassion, zeal, unity in our missionary endeavours we too need to return to the Lord with gratitude and joy. His Holiness Pope Francis teaches us in his apostolic exhortation No. 21: “The Gospel joy which enlivens the community of disciples is a missionary joy. This joy is a sign that the Gospel has been proclaimed and is bearing fruit.” We all need to know and deal with sin that destroys the joy of the missionary activities. As the seventy-two experienced joy, so may we too enjoy the same in knowing God deeply, loving God profoundly by relating with one another like Jesus. May you have a good day. May God bless you.

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