Lenten Reflection: Sent in Missionary Friendship

Courtesy of Fr. Jim Berning, SDB

Called to be sent in missionary friendship

“Jesus is calling you and sending you forth to spread goodness in our world. His call is one of service, a summons to do good, perhaps as a physician, a mother, a teacher or a priest. Wherever you may be, you can hear his call and realize that he is sending you forth to carry out that mission. He himself told us, ‘I am sending you out’ (Lk. 10:3). It is part of our being friends with him. For this friendship to mature, however, it is up to you to let him send you forth on a mission in this world, and to carry it out confidently, generously, freely and fearlessly. If you stay trapped in your own comfort zone, you will never really find security; doubts and fears, sorrow and anxiety will always loom on the horizon. Never forget that Jesus is at your side at every step of the way. He will always be there to encourage and accompany you. He has promised, and he will do it: “For I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20). (Dilexit Nos, #215)

Reflection-Question: We have been called by God for purposeful service. The more we embrace the call the more deeply we enter into missionary friendship with Christ. Christ says that he will always be with us. What are some ways that we might choose to be with and for him?