October 22, 2023 - One Bread, One Body
October 22, Twenty Ninth Sunday Ordinary Time
Cycle A Readings:
1) Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
Psalm 96:1, 3-5, 7-10
2) 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
Matthew 22:15-21
Mission - minded?
“...so that toward the rising and the setting of the sun men may know that there is none besides Me.” —Isaiah 45:6
On this World Mission Sunday, the Church inquires of us as Christians about our relationship to the nations of the world. We must give the nations what belongs to them (see Mt 22:21). Especially, we must give Jesus to the nations, for He belongs to all people and we all belong to Him (see 1 Cor 3:21-23). Therefore, Jesus commands us to “make disciples of all the nations” (Mt 28:19) and “tell His glory among the nations” (Ps 96:3). We must “say among the nations: The Lord is King” (Ps 96:10) so that the “families of nations” may “give to the Lord glory and praise” (Ps 96:7).
Are you giving the nations their due? Do you pray daily for all nations “to be saved and come to know the truth?” (1 Tm 2:4) Do you love and befriend people from other nations in your schools, businesses, and neighborhoods? Are you praying for yourself and others to become local or foreign missionaries? Do you give substantial offerings to further the Church’s missionary outreach?
One of Jesus’ last and greatest commandments is: “Make disciples of all the nations” (Mt 28:19). By grace, in love, and for Jesus — do it!
Prayer: Father, send the Spirit to make me a witness for Jesus and a missionary (Acts 1:8).
Promise: “Our preaching of the gospel proved not a mere matter of words for you but one of power; it was carried on in the Holy Spirit and out of complete conviction.” —1 Thes 1:5
Praise: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever...Who remembered us in our abjection, for His mercy endures forever” (Ps 136:1, 23).
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from October 1, 2023, through November 30, 2023
†Most Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 15, 2023.
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.