Two ways of Doing our Mission - Baptism and Drinking of the Chalice

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 29th Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 10:35-45 or 10:42-45*

*First Reading - Is 53:10-11*

*SECOND READING - Heb 4:14-16*

*Two ways of Doing our Mission - Baptism and Drinking of the Chalice*

*1) Two ways are mentioned in today's Gospel*

The Gospel of the day speaks about two things *Baptism* and *Drinking of the Chalice*

Both these expressions come in the context of mission Sunday. 

Therefore these two concepts have direct reference to our mission 

*2) The Sacrament of Baptism*

First of all it makes us the Children of God. Trying our level best to live as the Children of God is one of the best ways of continuing the mission of the Lord 

Secondly, We are forgiven by the Lord : Practicing forgiveness in our life is another best way of bearing witness to the mission of the Lord 

Thirdly -  New life or it is the beginning of our faith life. Giving witness to this faith and inspiring others to live such faith through our deeds would be another best methods of doing the mission of the Lord

Fourthly we become pure and Holy : maintaining the purity in our thoughts, words and deeds would be another best way of doing the mission of the Lord 

Fifthly We have been given the Light of the Risen Lord: Maintaining this light and giving light to all is another way of Doing the mission of the Lord

*3) Drinking the Chalice*

This expression has its meaning for suffering and passion of the Lord 

Christian mission means ready to drink the Chalice, which means ready to suffer for Christ. 

The mission of the Lord can't be continued without facing some amount of suffering and persecution. 

Suffering is the part if the mission. 

So the drinking of the Chalice is very much necessary

*4) The various types of Chalices in our life*

The Chalice of sickness

The chalice of sacrifice

The chalice of service 

The chalice of misunderstanding

The chalice of persecution

The chalice of defeat 

The chalice of pain and suffering 

The chalice of hardwork

Only those who are able to drink these chalices can bear witness to Jesus' mission. 

The refusal of these chalices will result in not doing any mission and at the same time we will become the counter witness to the mission of the Lord 

So am I ready for the mission of the Lord, through Baptism and through drinking of the Chalice??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*