I am among you as one who serves

By Louise Malnachuk
October 2006

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World Mission Sunday gives us an opportunity to pause and give thanks to all missionaries for their generous response in faith to God’s invitation to serve as witnesses of God’s love. In a special way, we thank those who have left the comforts of home, family and friends to do so.

Missionaries often hear comments like: “I don’t know how you do it: or “ I couldn’t do what you do.” Their response is similar to the psalm refrain: “Lord, we place our trust in you.” (Psalm33) They know that it is only with God’s help that they are able to do the work they do; that it is God’s grace that gives them the courage to continue.

In the Gospel for World Mission Sunday, October 22 this year, we see the humanity of the two disciples as they ask for places of honour (Mark 10). It’s a secret desire most of us have experienced at some point in our lives. In response, Jesus invites his disciples to a life of service. To be a servant today is counter-cultural, but to be servant is exactly what Jesus is asking us to do.

Missionaries are able to do difficult work because they put their faith and trust in God. Their relationship with God is what helps them face challenges, both at home and overseas. Jesus invited the disciples to achieve greatness by being of service to others. Today Jesus invites us to respond to that same challenge.

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