On a mission

He's "on a mission"! We hear that phrase in many different circumstances- in sports, politics, religion, and esp. the military. It refers to everything from being determined to rehabilitate after a serious injury, to getting out the vote, to going on a missionary trip, to finding Usama bin Laden. Let's look more closely at the military. Why? Because it gets to the heart of the matter very quickly. Life and death can hang in the balance. Victory or defeat depends on accomplishing the mission. And after all, we are soldiers for Christ: 2Tim.2:3-4,7 "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-he wants to please his commanding officer. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this."

Being "on a mission" means: (add your own to the list)
-goal oriented: accomplish the mission!
-focus and priority: keep to the mission! Don't get sidetracked!
-zeal: let's do it!
-perseverance: finish the mission!
-courage: whatever it takes!
-communication: be on the same page! Stay in touch with one another!
-teamwork: work together!
-leadership: follow the leader!
-preparation: be fit, know your job, understand the mission!
-above all: duty, love, honor.

We, too, have been sent on a mission: "Go into all the world, and preach the good news to all creation." Mk.16:15 "As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world." Jn.17:18 "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." Jn.20:21 By Baptism and Confirmation, we are called and equipped to continue the mission of Christ. It is our commission. It is our privledge. It is our honor to be called to work with Jesus in His mission of Salvation and Holiness. And everything in our lives needs to be oriented to that mission. Let's examine our lives:
-do I have a sense of mission?
-do I orient my life around my calling?
-do I let other things interfere with the mission?
-am I zealous for the Lord and the mission?
-do the cares of this world interfere with the mission?
-it is my priority in life?
-am I listening to my Leader and obeying Him?
-am I doing what I need to do to be fit spiritually, emotionally, physically?
-am I part of a team-others who are like-minded and support one another?
-am I on the same page as the Pope and Bishops-those responsible to lead us?
-do I intercede for the mission?
-am I using my gifts for the mission?
-do I ask the Lord for direction? Do I listen for the answer?
-do I let fear intimidate me from saying and doing what I am called to say and do?
-are my family, job, and activities oriented to my mission?
-what does the Lord have to say about my life?
-mercy and grace abound in weakness!

Lord Jesus, I give myself to you as I am. In my weakness, you make me strong. You show me mercy when I feel like I don't deserve any. You love me when I feel unlovable. You bring me into your Presence when I cannot look at you. You touch my heart when I have failed you. You lead me through darkness when I cannot see ahead of me. You fill-in the valleys and lay low the mountains of my life even when I have little hope. I am humbled by your love and in awe of you. What have I done to deserve your mercy? What can I do to repay you for your cross? All I can do is give myself to you as I am. Despite all, you call me. Take me Lord, and use me in your mission. Bring revival Lord. Let your Spirit come into my life and into your people. Come Lord Jesus!

Are you "on a mission"? There is more.