OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

In his name the Gentiles will hope. 

Jesus had made a big name for himself—and not just among the people of Israel. It was so big that Matthew described it by quoting the prophet Isaiah’s encompassing promise that God’s servant would bring hope to everyone, Gentiles and Jews alike (Matthew 12:21). Matthew saw that Jesus was the perfect fulfillment of these words. But even Matthew couldn’t fully grasp what Jesus would accomplish through the Church.

At first, Jesus’ followers were considered to be part of a small sect within Judaism. Even as their message spread into the Gentile world, the believers made up only a tiny fraction of the vast Roman Empire, and their influence was minimal. But today Christianity has spread in ways that no one back then could have imagined. Not only are there billions of believers, but the gospel now goes out even through livestreamed liturgies and Bible and prayer apps! Matthew would probably have been delighted to learn that the Scriptures would ultimately be translated into hundreds of languages, too!

Unfortunately, many people still don’t know the Lord. Some live in countries where the government has made it difficult for the Church to flourish. And others live in places where the hope of Christ has been confused or forgotten. And so in every age, God calls certain people to spread the gospel as missionaries. These men and women give up their comfort and careers to proclaim the good news to people who have never heard of Jesus.

Even if we aren’t sent to another country, we can still participate in this mission. We can learn about different countries with our children or grandchildren and talk with them about the challenges facing the Church in that region. We can donate to a charity that serves people in one of these places. And we can pray for missionaries around the world to be strengthened and encouraged.

You can make a difference.

“Jesus, you are our hope, wherever we live. Help me spread your gospel.”

Micah 2:1-5
Psalm 10:1-4, 7-8, 14
Matthew 12:14-21