Kingdom of God
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July 4, 2025Dear People of God:
In his first public remark as pope, His Holiness Leo XIV mentioned about his vision of the Church, how he sees the Church, and how the Catholic Church should fulfill its missionary task: “We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges and dialogue, always open to receive people, like this square, with open arms – everyone, all those who need our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.”
Our Gospel this Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time presents to us the missionary dimension of the Church that Pope Leo XIV has mentioned. Jesus has appointed 72 of his disciples and sends them out two by two to share the Good News, “The kingdom of God is at hand for you!” But it was not just a simple sending off.He has instructed them to bear the hardship of being sent, “I am sending you like lambs among wolves.” That must have been a scary note to the 72 disciples. Added to that was the simplicity of life that they should have, “Carry no body bags, no sack, no sandals… eat and drink what is offered to you...” In the midst of the difficulties of this mission, he reminded them to be bearers of peace, “Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him;but if not, it will return to you.”
As a Church being sent by Jesus, we become vulnerable to many things as we step out from our comfort zones to reach out to people in need. In our task of building bridges and dialogue, we become susceptible to ways and situations which we may consider to be uncomfortable with but it is when we are vulnerable that God can truly work in us and through us. Fulfilling this mission entrusted to us is a fulfillment of our love and service to God.
It is when we feel we are helpless that we become dependent on God and the mission often times fulfilled because we see God is working in our lives and the lives of others. We realize that it is God that controls everything. We come to know that what we do is not our sole mission to satisfy our selfish motives but as haring in the mission of Jesus for God’s kingdom to be fulfilled.