Readings
I - Jer. 31: 7-9
II - Heb. 5: 1-6
III - Mk. 10: 46-52
PRIESTS ARE GOD’S PREDELICTS - MISSION SUNDAY
The Gospel reading is the fulfillment of the first reading, the prophesy of prophet Jeremiah, in Jesus the only Son of God, appointed by God as a High Priest, a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek, to gather all people and nation by offering Himself as a sacrifice. In the second reading, letter to the Hebrews we read that every priesthood is modelled after the priesthood of Jesus, the High Priest. None can presume the honour of priesthood unless otherwise called by God, just as Aaron was.
God in His goodness, mercy and compassion chooses one from among His own people, anoints them and bestows blessings upon them to guide, tend, shepherd, teach, instruct, admonish, reprove, rebuke, exhort, appreciate, forgive, encourage, educate and lead the flock towards God. Great are the responsibilities of the priests of God. It is highly unthinkable and greatly unimaginable of the Church - the Bride of Christ without the priests. Their fragility and weakness is not unknown to God and are remitted as they offer sacrifice to God on behalf of His people by offering themselves too as sacrifice to God.
Today the Church celebrates Mission Sunday. Mission Sunday is a day set aside by the Church to renew our missionary commitment in the propagation of faith. Priests, religious and volunteers are selflessly involved in this noble mission entrusted without counting the cost or convenience to continue and carry out the work of Jesus. Let us be generous in our spiritual and financial support for the missions and pray for priestly and religious vocation in the Church as per the instruction of our Lord, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest” (Mt. 9: 37). Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayers: “Lord Jesus, send labourers into your field”.
