Journey of Faith, June 28, 2020
“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me”
(Matthew 10:40)
In the bible, the number “seven” refers to completeness and perfection. When Jesus was asked how many times we should forgive someone, he said “seven times 70.”
As the symbol of God’s love, which is infinity itself, the notion of “seven” is sacred.
The reason I am expressing gratitude today “7,000 times” is for the legacy of mission represented by Maryknoll’s Jubilee Class of 2020—and, at least by my calculation, their 7,000 years of service.
Jubilee Day is when we thank God for the past service of our missioners. Among this year’s class are missioners who have served for 25, 40, 50, 60, 65 and even 70 years. The call to serve runs remarkably deep in this group. Two of them have served in mission for 70 years—there’s that number again!—and they continue to serve in full-time prayer ministries. We bless their continuing journeys and are grateful for their calling to mission and the generous way they not only accept God’s blessings but share them with the world. Each act of kindness or compassion, by a Missioner or by a person of faith just like you, adds a grain of sand to the mountain we are building together. And that mountain is the Kingdom of God.
Friend, Jubilee Day reminds me of the countless communities all over the world that have been touched by Maryknoll and the spirit of mission. They are lasting testaments to the power of the Gospel, and the healing grace of God’s love. This is your day to celebrate, too. Go forth on Sending Day and fulfill the mission that God has called you to. Let’s make each day Sending Day.
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