This Sunday is Home Mission Sunday. You can read more here.
Wish you were here - a Reflection for Home Mission Sunday
In that first moment, when you settle into your seat, waiting for Mass to begin, who is it that you think of? Who is it that you wish were sitting beside you?
After my mother died, it was difficult to come to Church without welling up in tears as I wished she were there. Then one day I asked God to show me that she was with Him, and experienced a sense of peace.
Now my heart aches for those I care about who have stopped coming to Church. Perhaps they have drifted away or something has turned them away. Whatever the situation, I miss them and wish they were here.
In today’s readings we are taken straight to the heart of the matter as we are asked to forgive those who have hurt us and to show mercy if we hope to receive it. This sentiment is as powerful as it is challenging. Whether thinking of an individual or a group of people who have offended us in some way, if we are able to show loving mercy rather than judgement, we open the door for them to turn towards Jesus. How? It all begins with a smile, a welcome, and prayer that we be released from the pain within. Then in going beyond ourselves, we step into Christ and do what may have seemed impossible – we forgive and are forgiven.
Teresa Carvalho, Home Mission Development Officer
Home Mission Office - Department of Evangelisation and Catechesis
