Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest - Year A

Hi, this is Father Nick Smith, pastor of St. Patrick's in Perry.

We see in today's gospel the first, perhaps the primitive, missionary nature of the church.

The church is by its very nature apostolic.

It goes out from itself toward those who have not yet heard the message of the gospel.

It goes out to those who are not yet part of the church, the family of God.

Jesus summons the twelve, he calls them to himself, he forms them, he teaches them so that he may eventually send them out.

The church is never meant to stay within its own walls, to be an exclusive private club.

It is never meant to be exclusive or to hold only secret knowledge.

The gospel is for all human beings.

It's meant to include the whole human family.

And each of us, in our own part, because we are baptized, participate in this apostolic missionary nature of the church.

We too are not called to just remain within ourselves, but by word and example, to bring the message of the gospel, to bring the truth of Jesus's redemption to a world who is so hungry for it.

Let us ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen us, to give us the courage, the fortitude, and the wisdom in order to do this well.

We want to fulfill the mission of the church that Jesus started so long ago and in today's gospel has started in a primitive way by sending out the twelve.

Come Holy Spirit and fill the hearts of your faithful so that we too may be summoned and then sent out to proclaim the gospel to a world in need.

May God bless you and let us continue praying for each other.