All Are Missionaries

We usually think of missionaries as bringing the Gospel to far away countries that have not heard of Jesus. But Pope Francis emphasizes that all of us are missionaries. In "Joy of the Gospel" he writes: "I am a mission on this earth; that is the reason why I am here in this world. We have to regard ourselves as sealed, even branded, by this mission of bringing light, blessing, enlivening, raising up, healing, and freeing." He says we have to be nurses, teachers, engineers, business people with soul. That means we don't just do our jobs, but we put our heart into the lives we touch. This is a full time job that makes us be people for others, aware of others' needs. It may be just a smile, a touch, a prayer, a word. Or it may be getting involved in an organization, a group, an action that promotes human rights and dignity. It is always an awareness that we have a mission, that each one of us is called to make life better in our neighborhood, our town, our parish, our workplace. Many of us are caught up in social media that can make us conscious of causes, but the personal message is what most people need. There is a popular quote: "Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary use words." Our behavior often speaks louder than words. If we really live the Gospel, it will shine forth in all our actions. We can be missionaries in our own backyard.