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10.25.05  Tuesdays Reflection

Sunday was World Mission Sunday. Philip J Kennedy's reflection on the

readings for the day seem very appropriate:

For the Chosen People, the summons to love God and all God's creatures made

them unique, different from other ancient peoples. From the book of Exodus

(22:21-27) comes the clear lesson: do not mistreat strangers in your land,

have special care for orphans and widows, and deal honestly and charitably

with all persons. At first hearing, these laws seem to say nothing about an

attitude toward God, but remember that they are part of the covenant between

God and God's People.

Jesus, when approached by the laywer in today's gospel (Matthew 22:34-40),

gives the best possible response to a question about the commandments: he

teaches anew the covenant imperative to love God and love our neighbour.

World Mission Sunday calls us to put this summons to love God and neighbour

into practice. Jesus' message is a mission for us all. Our Lord expects

faith, hope and charity to shine through our deeds and interactions with

others. Spreading the good news, in our lives first, then in our

communities, then to faraway places, is of vital interest to all Christians.

The building of God's reign of love is the mission we are urged to adopt

toady and every day.

After reading the comments of four young refugee women on their experience

attending school in western Canada, I realized that we do not put these

teachings in practice. One said: "I made no Canadian friends, zero. You will

be able to make friends with immigrants. You will not be able to make

friends with white people. They are scared of you. Scared to change, I

guess?"

Cecily