On the preparation of the mission month, we withdrew ourselves to a silent moment of recollection preached by Fr. Simone Piccolo sx. As we began our recollection, Fr. Simone invited us to reflect upon the book of Revelation, especially its first chapter. He highlighted the context of the early Christian community that experienced persecution under the emperor of Rome in the first century. It was the year when John wrote these words of the prophecy. It was indeed a difficult moment, and yet John was trying to convince them that the Light would come even in time of darkness.
“He touched me with his right hand and said, ‘Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, the one who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I hold the keys to death and the netherworld” (Revelation 1:17-18). Eventually, we are given a question for reflection, “In the time of persecution which the early Christian community faced, will I stand up for my faith in Jesus?” and “Of what am I afraid in my life?”
In the second part of our recollection, Fr. Simone then asked us to ponder on the experience of Peter and Cornelius from a missionary point of view. Every one of us is familiar with this story found in Acts 10:1-49. When we read this passage, we will be able to find some important missionary attitudes such as readiness to go, openness to the call of God, availability to say yes to the Holy Spirit, etc. As missionaries ad gentes, we are invited to go out of our comfort zone to bring the Good News to people who do not know Jesus Christ yet.
To end this recollection, we celebrated the Holy Eucharist in memory of St. Therese of Lisieux. Let us follow her little way to love Jesus Christ in our daily life and ministries. We asked her intercession for all missionaries around the world that they may continue their mission with a spirit of openness to the will of God. In this celebration, we also share some insights that can enrich our spiritual and missionary life. Last but not least, we remember that this month is also dedicated to Mary, Mother of the Church and Queen of Missions. May her intercession help us in our mission.
