https://catholicreadings.org/third-sunday-in-ordinary-time-year-c/
In the summer of 2024, I found myself at Ballyvaloo Retreat & Conference Centre in Co. Wexford, attending the Chapter of the Irish Province of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. It was in this space that I received an invitation from the Provincial to join the new leadership team.
At the Chapter attendees were reminded once again of the inspirational text that led to the foundation of the congregation which is commonly known as ‘the Spiritans’. This text is the same one that we hear today in the Gospel of Luke: Jesus’ mission statement. In the Spiritan Congregation’s Rule of Life, it serves as the opening text for the chapter entitled Spiritan Vocation. This sacred and inspiring text sets the congregation on its missionary footing.
In understanding Missio Dei (God’s mission), we recall the story that was shared about the late St. Pope John XXIII. When asked how he managed to sleep at night while being responsible for a billion Catholics, he simply smiled and replied, “I’m not responsible for the Church; the Holy Spirit is.”
The Holy Spirit is upon us to preach the Gospel and to be God’s presence in our world. At baptism and confirmation, we are anointed or chosen to be the Good News. God has no mouth to speak the truth or to offer words of comfort to the suffering; no hands to help the poor; no ears to listen to the worries or pain of others. We are God’s instruments – yet only instruments. I’m told that in the Latin Mass, the dismissal ends with the words Ite, missa est, meaning “Go, you are sent.” It is a call to be the mission, to be Christ to the world.
For many, the only Gospel they will encounter is through the lives of those who live it authentically. This is our calling.
May the Spirit fill us with the joy of living that mission.
Image by Ronald Sandino from Pixabay
Ronan Barry
