By: Fr. John Jasica
CHRIST’S MISSION IS OUR OWN
Last weekend I began a new message series called “THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME—Continuing Christ’s Saving Work”. This comes from the gospel reading for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time where we see Jesus returning home and quoting from the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”
(Luke 4:18)
If we ever wanted to clearly understand Christ’s mission—here it is. After reading this section of Isaiah, he rolled up the scroll and sat down. Then he told everyone, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21) Jesus came to transform the world by bringing hope, light, joy and eternal life in the midst of despair, darkness and sorrow. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus embraced his mission with compassion, courage and zeal embracing the cross in Jerusalem. Christ’s mission is our own. What does it mean to be a faithful disciple of the Lord? This quote from the gospel of Luke makes it very clear for us.
HOMILY #1—A NEED FOR LOVE & UNITY
In the first homily of the series I focused on the fact that if we are anointed with the Holy Spirit to go on mission, we need to love Christ and others with our whole hearts and be united with others in purpose to share the Good News.
I shared a quote from an address by Pope Francis to a French missionary group on January 10, 2025. In this address Pope Francis said:
“Unity is a powerful witness: it is from the love we have for each other that the world recognizes that we are disciples of Jesus. Take care of each other, support one another in your labours and rejoice together in the fruits that the Spirit brings forth through your efforts.”
The gift of unity is a powerful witness for the world. Our family of parishes, if truly united in the one mission of salvation, working together, with a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the Good News sends a powerful message to the world. The more we share, love and bond with one another, the more powerful our impact becomes. Building one family and one faith community not only brings us together but ripples the grace and power of Christ’s love to all those around us. I see this happening for the Chatham Catholic Family of Parishes each and every day.
WEAVING THE FABRIC OF MISSION
O
ur family of parishes has a wonderful and challenging pastoral plan seeking to empower us to become faithful disciples reaching out to all. Being on mission is at the heart of who we are as Catholic faith communities.
During last week’s homily I shared how over the last two years we have invited parishioners to build a sense of community getting to know one another by focusing on “WELCOME & FAMILY”. We have also sought to deepen our relationship with Jesus through our year of “PRAYER & CONVERSION”. During the past two years we have introduced and re-introduced events, ministries and programs that help us get to know each other better and to fall in love with Jesus. This continues as we enter years three and four weaving a strong fabric of opportunities to be shaped as courageous missionaries in our world today. All of this takes time, focus and effort.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
At the end of the homily I shared with everyone three questions for reflection as we seek to realize that all of us are anointed with the Holy Spirit and chosen to continue the Lord’s work:
1) What is required for unity in our family of parishes?
2) How are we shaken by the Holy Spirit in our daily lives?
3) What is holding me back from being on mission?
HOMILY #2—OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD
In the second homily of the series taking place this weekend, I am reflecting on the need for each of us to offer ourselves to God in loving service. This involves letting go of control and seeking
