Omitting Discipleship: Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr (Philemon 7-20; Psalm 146:7, 8-9a, 9bc-10; Luke 17:20-25)

In our Gospel reading today, Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom of God is in our midst.  The Kingdom is particularly in our midst in the Eucharist and through the Sacramental life of His Church, but also in the needs of the people around us.

I believe this theme is at the heart of the challenge Archbishop Lori gives us this month.  In the challenge, he says, “Sin can be categorized in two ways, sins of commission and sins of omission. We ask God to forgive us of both kinds of sins in the main form of the Confiteor at Mass — “in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do.” It is a sin to do evil, and it is a sin to neglect one’s moral obligations. The true disciple sees the suffering Jesus in the poor, the sick, the oppressed and the lonely — and offers what he can to help.”

The Confiteor reminds us that our responsibility to God involves both what we do and what we fail to do. This is especially important when considering the Kingdom of God. We cannot simply avoid doing evil and assume that we are living as faithful disciples. We must also actively do good.

 

You may recall that Pope Francis wrote that it is time for us to be bruised, hurting and dirty because we have been out on the streets.  This is our call to assess the needs of those in our midst, and ultimately be the love of Christ for them.  

This is ultimately the call of the transformation the Parish is undergoing to move from maintenance to mission.  The transformation to make Missionary Discipleship the primary focus of our mission.

Archbishop Lori challenges us to be aware of those in need around us, as the life of Saint Josaphat reminds us, and to take action to serve those in need.  

Again, the key word is action.   Our invitation is to walk with others to Christ in the Sacramental life. Our invitation is to help them have a real encounter with Christ in the Sacraments.  Our invitation is to become Missionary Disciples and to help others be the same.  

The Archbishop asked the following questions.  “Who are the ‘least ones’ among you? Do you recognize Christ in these ‘least ones’ in need? In what ways do you respond positively to their needs, and in what ways do you ignore or neglect them? How might you do better in this regard?”

As we answer these questions we can understand how to offer activities that will support true Missionary Discipleship, create more hospitality towards those in need, and connect people more deeply to the Sacramental life.

Jesus said we would always have the poor.  But Missionary Discipleship will transform hearts and convert souls.

As we are blessed to be disciples, so we are sent to make disciples as we bring Christ to others through our actions, our relationships, and our service.   That is what missionary discipleship is all about.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.

Thanks be to God!