Mission to learn

Today is World Mission Sunday, traditionally a time for those of us who live in the so-called first world to pay particular attention to our brothers and sisters who live in underprivileged areas of the globe.

With the delegates to the Second Synod of Bishops for Africa still at the Vatican, the Holy Father noted this special observance in his remarks prior to reciting the Angelus today (here's the English-language translation). Conscious of the fact that the Church in Africa is still in its realtive infancy, perhaps this occasion gives us pause to consider that instead of us trying to teach the Church in that part of the world about the blessings proclaimed by Christ, perhaps we would be wise to look to them for guidance.

Earlier this year, one of the families in the parish I serve travelled to Tanzania where they spent three weeks in a variety of activities, working with children and living with adults in a tiny village in that country. Today, as we observe World Mission Sunday, I invited them to share some of their reflections about their travels.

Our parish community, gathered in prayer, listened intently to their story and enjoyed the slides they provided. Some have already begun to express an interest in travelling to Tanzania, and others have begun to speak about how they can help the people of that country. The outcome of such a presentation can rarely be predicted. All we can do is trust that God will continue to work in His own way, inviting us to cooperate in whatever manner is necessary.

In the coming days, we hope to post some of the pictures (in Powerpoint format) so that those who could not be present for today's presentation will also be able to see them.

We wish to thank Peter and Brenda for accepting to share their reflections with us, for helping us to appreciate the gifts we have, and for heightening our appreciation for the living contitions that others deal with on a daily basis. This trip has changed their lives, and talking about it with friends and relatives on this side of the Atlantic might very well help to change our lives just a little bit too.