On the World Mission Sunday
Archbishop Abdel Sater:
“The primary goal of a Christian missionary is to introduce everyone to the love of God for them”
On World Mission Sunday, Maronite Archbishop of Beirut HE Mrg. Boulos Abdel Sater called for a Mass on Sunday October 24, 2021 at St. George’s Maronite Cathedral in Beirut. Officials from different professional sectors participated in carrying the message to the world, especially journalists, media professionals, judges, lawyers, doctors, and engineers... The Communication and Public Relations Department of the Middle East Council of Churches participated in the Mass alongside the Head of Department Mrs. Huguette Salameh.
Priest Jad Chlouk and Priest Emile Dagher accompanied Archbishop Abdel Sater in the service. After the Gospel was read, His Eminence delivered a sermon in which he stressed the goals of the Christian missionary and the importance of its role: “In this world, full of religious fanaticism, isolation, and introversion, we must be different missionaries, that is, according to the heart of our Lord, everywhere we live or perform a certain service.”
He added: “The primary goal of a Christian missionary is to introduce everyone to the love of God for them and remind them that they are not alone in this life. God is present in them to inspire acts of love and good and kind words.”
Abdel Sater continued: “We are sent to tell everyone, regardless of their religion, race, or social and cultural status, God loves you, and so do we. We are called to accept others and listen to them so that we listen to the good in them and let them know how dear they are to our heart and to God’s heart.”
He wondered: “What do officials gain when they win the elections with a hundred votes while most of their people have left the country? If they wanted to be missionary rulers, then should work with integrity, fighting corruption, rejecting temptations, and showing humility and simplicity away from strength and tyranny, because they will be held accountable in front of God on judgment day for every person who had to go through oppression, injustice, and death, directly or indirectly, because of them.”
Archbishop Boulos Abdel Sater concluded his sermon with the following words: “We promise the Lord to be his missionaries through love, giving, and acceptance of others, to talk to them and respect their faith and beliefs, so we all cooperate for the salvation of our people, our church, and our country.”
It should be noted that the universal Catholic Church around the world celebrates the World Mission Sunday on the third Sunday of October. Prayers are raised on behalf of missionaries who stand witnesses to Jesus Christ and work for justice, peace, respect, and the dignity of everyone. This year, the message of His Holiness Pope Francis on this special occasion came under the title: “It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20)
