MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER BENEDICT XVI
FOR WORLD MISSION DAY 2011

” As the Father has sent me, so I send you ”
(Jn 20:21)

On the occasion of the Jubilee of 2000, the Venerable John Paul II , at the beginning of a new millennium of the Christian era, forcefully reaffirmed the need to renew the commitment to bring the proclamation of the Gospel to all “with the same enthusiasm of the Christians of the first hour” (Apostolic letter Novo millennio ineunte , 58). It is the most precious service that the Church can render to humanity and to every single person in search of the profound reasons for living one’s existence to the full. Therefore, that same invitation resounds every year in the celebration of World Mission Day. The incessant proclamation of the Gospel, in fact, also enlivens the Church, her fervor, her apostolic spirit, renews her pastoral methods so that they are ever more appropriate to new situations – even those that require a new evangelization – and animated by the missionary zeal: «Mission renews the Church, reinvigorates Christian faith and identity, gives new enthusiasm and new motivations. Faith is strengthened by giving it! Redemptoris missio, 2).

Go and Announce

This goal is continually revived by the celebration of the liturgy, especially the Eucharist, which always concludes by echoing the command of the risen Jesus to the Apostles: “Go…” (Mt 28:19). The liturgy is always a call ‘from the world’ and a new sending ‘into the world’ to bear witness to what has been experienced: the saving power of the Word of God, the saving power of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. All those who have met the risen Lord have felt the need to proclaim him to others, as did the two disciples of Emmaus. After recognizing the Lord in the breaking of bread, they “set out without delay and returned to Jerusalem where they found the Eleven assembled” and reported what had happened to them along the way (Lk 24:33-34). Pope John Paul II urged us to be “vigilant and ready to recognize his face and run to our brothers and sisters to bring the great news: ‘We have seen the Lord! ‘” (Apostolic letter Novo millennio ineunte , 59).

To Everyone

Recipients of the proclamation of the Gospel are all peoples. The Church, “by her nature is missionary, inasmuch as she originates from the mission of the Son and from the mission of the Holy Spirit, according to the plan of God the Father” (Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Ad Gentes Decree, 2). This is “the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity. It exists to evangelize” (Paul VI, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii nuntiandi, 14). Consequently, she can never withdraw into herself. You root yourself in certain places to go further. Her action, in adherence to Christ’s word and under the influence of his grace and her charity, becomes fully and presently present to all men and all peoples to lead them to faith in Christ (cf. Ad Gentes, 5).

This task has not lost its urgency. On the contrary, “the mission of Christ the Redeemer, entrusted to the Church, is still far from its completion … An overview of humanity shows that this mission is still in its infancy and that we must commit ourselves with all our strength to its service” (John Paul II, Enc. Redemptoris Missio, 1). We cannot remain calm at the thought that, after two thousand years, there are still peoples who do not know Christ and have not yet heard his message of salvation.

Not only; but the ranks of those who, despite having received the announcement of the Gospel, have forgotten and abandoned it, no longer recognize themselves in the Church; and many circles, even in traditionally Christian societies, are today refractory to opening themselves to the word of faith. A cultural change is underway, also fueled by globalization, movements of thought, and by the prevailing relativism, a change which leads to a mentality and a lifestyle which ignores the Gospel Message, as if God did not exist, and which exalt the pursuit of well-being, easy money, career, and success as the purpose of life, even at the expense of moral values.

Co-responsibility of all

The universal mission involves everyone, everything, and always. The Gospel is not an exclusive good of those who have received it, but it is a gift to be shared, good news to be communicated. And this gift-commitment is entrusted not only to some but to all the baptized, who are “a chosen race, … a holy people, a people God has made for his own” (1Pt 2:9), so that they may proclaim his marvelous works.

All activities are also involved. Attention to and cooperation in the evangelizing work of the Church in the world cannot be limited to a few particular moments and occasions, nor can they be considered as one of the many pastoral activities: the missionary dimension of the Church is essential, and therefore must be kept always present. It is important that both individual baptized persons and ecclesial communities are interested not in a sporadic and occasional way in the mission, but in a constant way, as a form of Christian life. Mission Day itself is not an isolated moment in the course of the year, but it is a precious opportunity to stop and reflect on whether and how we respond to the missionary vocation; an essential response for the life of the Church.

Global Evangelism

Evangelization is a complex process and includes various elements. Among these, particular attention on the part of missionary animation has always been given to solidarity. This is also one of the objectives of World Mission Day, which, through the Pontifical Mission Societies, solicits help for carrying out the tasks of evangelization in mission territories. It is a question of supporting the institutions necessary to establish and consolidate the Church through catechists, seminaries, and priests; and also to make its own contribution to improving the living conditions of people in countries where the phenomena of poverty, especially child malnutrition, disease, lack of health and education services are more serious. This too is part of the Church’s mission. Proclaiming the Gospel, it takes human life to heart in the full sense. It is not acceptable, the Servant of God reiterated Paul VI, that in evangelization topics concerning human promotion, justice, and liberation from all forms of oppression are neglected, obviously with respect for the autonomy of the political sphere. Not being interested in humanity’s temporal problems would mean “forgetting the lesson that comes from the Gospel on the love of suffering and needy neighbor” (Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii nuntiandi, 31.34); it would not be in harmony with the behavior of Jesus, who “went through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom and healing every disease and infirmity” (Mt 9:35).

Thus, through co-responsible participation in the Church’s mission, the Christian becomes a builder of the communion, peace, and solidarity that Christ has given us, and collaborates in the realization of God’s plan of salvation for all humanity. The challenges that this encounters call Christians to walk together with others, and the mission is an integral part of this journey with everyone. In it, we carry, albeit in clay pots, our Christian vocation, the priceless treasure of the Gospel, the living testimony of Jesus who died and rose again, met and believed in the Church.

May Mission Sunday revive in each one the desire and joy of “going” to meet humanity, bringing Christ to all. In his name I cordially impart the Apostolic Blessing to you, especially to those who struggle and suffer the most for the Gospel.

From the Vatican, 6 January 2011, Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

BENEDICT XVI

 

Credit: Dicastery for Communication to the Holy See