Living a life of mission

Faith is always a gift, and so is its efficacity.

The parable that Jesus uses at this point is a simple one: a slave has no right to recognition because of what he does, since he belongs to his master. Similarly, the apostles are servants, and if they accomplish great things, it is only because the Lord gives them the power to do so; because if they accomplish anything, it is by his power.

The Gospel provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the faith that motivates and guides us and that we should be trying to rouse in others.  

Saint Luke bids us realize that our faith is a gift and that everything we can accomplish is possible only because of God-given power in us.

All that we see the Church doing in the carrying out of her mission is a gift of God; those who cooperate in that mission are servants and are simply doing their duty.

29th Sunday Ordinary Time

Pope Leo's message on the World Mission Sunday, 19 October 2025. 

"I urge every Catholic parish in the world to take part in World Mission Sunday. Your prayers, your support will help spread the Gospel, provide for pastoral and catechetical programs, help to build new churches, and care for the health and educational needs of our brothers and sisters in mission territories. This October 19th, as we reflect together on our baptismal call to be "missionaries of hope among the peoples," let us commit ourselves anew to the sweet and joyful task of bringing Christ Jesus our Hope to the ends of the earth. Thank you for everything you will do to help me help missionaries throughout the world. God bless you all!"