The old “Mission Impossible” TV series always began with “your mission, if you choose to accept it, is ….” and our hero would hear the mission of the week, of course accept it, and in the end he prevailed.
The liturgical readings for July 14 gave us the same feeling as this old TV show. Scripture basically says to Amos and the Apostles, “Here is your mission, should you choose to accept it ….”
In Amos 7:12-15, we learn that Amos was a shepherd and dresser of sycamore trees. A dresser of trees tended and trimmed the trees so good fruit would be produced. We also become aware of the call Amos receives from God to prophesy to the people of Israel despite the fact that he feels unprepared for this mission. Yet, Amos chooses to accept the mission to lead and tend to the people of Israel.
Then in Mark 6:7-13, Jesus has a mission for the Twelve:
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Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick — no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.”
And so the Twelve did just that; preaching about Jesus’s message and healing.
What about those of us who choose to believe in the message of Jesus? Have we been called? Do we have a mission? Our baptismal call is just that; a call or mission to be Christ-like in the world today. How do we do that?
- We are called to bring Christ’s message to those around us daily through our everyday actions and relationships. How do my thoughts, words and actions measure up to Christ’s message?
- We are called to bring compassion and healing to those who are hurting and sick. Am I present to the needs of those around me?
- We are called to bring the light of Christ to those who are mired in the darkness life can often be. Am I a listener, a companion through dark times?
- We are called to respect the dignity of all persons no matter their state in life or background. Do I work for the common good for all in my community?
This call requires us to be faithful to the teachings of Jesus, which requires prayer and study. This call requires us to put ourselves in the place of others. This call requires us to work for the greater glory of God and not for our own glory.
God speaking: Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to be the hands, feet, heart, eyes and ears of Christ in the world, bringing compassion, healing and joy to those around you. In doing so, you will be my disciples.
Tucson faith leaders, we would like to include your original sermon or scriptures of encouragement. Sermons must be written by the person submitting them, not borrowed from another source or writer. If you are a faith leader from any religion or denomination, please contact Sara Brown at sbbrown@tucson.com.
Karen Brady