Tag: Gentiles

This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.

Today’s readings combine in an interesting manner. In the first reading, in talking about his own special mission and how much he appreciates it, St. Paul illuminates not only the providential nature of his own calling, but the providential nature of the history of salvation. Paul clearly sees the entire unfolding of the Old Testament–patriarchs, prophets, kings, etc.–leading up to the culminating moment of salvation in Christ. But the drama doesn’t end there. After Christ, each Christian has a pre-planned role to play as well, and if indeed St. Paul is gifted with great clarity regarding his own, that of each Christian is no less clear in God’s eyes. And, while Paul’s role is particularly foundational for the Church as it forms the Gospel’s bridge to the gentiles, each Christian’s role is similarly critical because it involves a special call to help bring others–specific others, in God’s heart and mind–to their eternal salvation.

This is the service to which Jesus refers in the Gospel. There is a beautiful reference to God’s mercy for those who fail to live up to their calling due to ignorance. But make no mistake: The service that St. Paul performed, and which we too are called to perform, is deadly serious. There are no higher stakes than the eternal welfare of those for whom Jesus poured out His blood. These may be our children if we are married, our flock if we are priests, the recipients of our message if we are missionaries, but importantly–for all of us–those for whom we pray and offer the sacrifice of our daily gift of self to God in this broken world.

Not one of us here on earth, no matter what our circumstances, is deprived of the supreme means and supreme duty of prayer, self-giving, and sacrifice offered in union with the cross of Christ for the enlightenment of those who do not know Him, the strength of those too weak to follow Him, the rousing of the indifferent to enthusiasm for Christ, and the conversion of sinners.

Ideas for conversation with the Lord: Meditate on the mission of St. Paul. Preaching, missions, writing–the founding of the Church among the gentiles. Consider also, though, that perhaps 90% of his time was consumed in mundane and arduous tasks such as travel. He could have focused on this, rather than the enormity of privilege which was his calling in Christ. Now consider your own calling. Perhaps you think it inglorious by comparison. But is it possible that you undervalue it due to a lack of the eyes of faith? Ask Jesus to inflame your heart with passion for His mission of bringing persons back to Him, and a sense of gratitude for the privilege of cooperating with Him in it.