KL Archdiocesan Biblical Apostolate Commission

Mary M

World Mission Sunday
 "We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20) 

                                                                         

           In his message, Pope Francis reminds us that, “the history of evangelization began with the Lord’s own passionate desire to call and enter into friendly dialogue with everyone”. He reflected on the apostles who experienced the Lord’s friendship, compassion, and teaching. Prophet Jeremiah echoes God’s plan to restore Israel. Though wounded and deserted because of their sinfulness, the people will experience God’s everlasting love and compassion, when he brings comfort and consolation to them. There is a solemn call to rejoice, to shout and give praise since God has decided to bring back all the exiles.

            We read of another experience in the Gospel today. Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, relied on the generosity of people to throw a coin or two. As Jesus was passing by, he cried out persistently for Jesus to have mercy on him. Jesus restored his sight and his ability to see the truth, that Jesus is Lord. He did for Bartimaeus what God would do for Israel – lead his people back to wholeness. Having encountered our Lord’s love and compassion, he did not go about his own life. Instead, he followed Jesus on the way to discipleship. He wants to share his encounter with Christ that gave him life.

            The Pope emphasized that we cannot keep the Lord to ourselves and he reminds us that there is an urgent need for the ‘mission of compassion’ during this time of the pandemic. We, too, have “seen, heard, and experienced” the marvels of God in our lives. Experiencing the fire of God’s love and compassion leads to a burning desire to act. It impels us to mission, to freely share with others what we have “seen, heard and experienced” and giving meaning and joy to our life and the lives of others. We share the compassion of Christ that this broken world needs. Like Bartimaeus, we are called to be missionary disciples and as ‘messengers and agents of compassion’ – to speak all that we have seen, heard, and experienced.