Transcript
This Sunday is mission Sunday. Today’s gospel presents us with a woman of faith, a widow, and urges us never to grow hopeless about any situation in which we find ourselves, no matter how hopeless it may seem. In ancient Jewish society, a woman depended on her husband for sustenance and social status. To lose a husband meant to be poor and defenseless, as close to hopelessness as one could get. This parable was meant to show the importance of perseverance even when God seems delaying in coming to our aid. Most of us would like God to answer our prayers instantaneously. However, God knows our hearts and thoughts. God knows our wants and needs. The widow kept her hope in final justice alive and did everything in her power to write the wrongs inflicted on her by her oppressive neighbors. Finally, her dogged determination paid off and she was vindicated. This Sunday is the 99th World Mission Sunday. Before he died in his message, Pope Francis began by recalling that this year’s World Mission Day has at its core hope. explaining this very reason he chose as its motto missionaries of hope amongst all peoples. This reminds individual Christians, the entire church of our fundamental vocation to be in the footsteps of Christ, messengers and builders of hope. Pope Francis said, and I quote, “I urge all of you, children, young people, adults, and the elderly, to participate actively in the common evangelising mission of the church by your witness to life and prayer, by your sacrifices, and by your generosity. Your support for Catholic Mission this weekend is a practical expression of charity that is the source for those in need.