Reflection on the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time from the Council Moderator, Br. Karlo Cruz

Today, on World Mission Sunday, the Church invites us to respond to the call of mission with renewed fervor. In the Gospel, we encounter James and John, boldly asking the Lord for positions of glory in His Kingdom. What an ambitous request! It reminds us of our own tendencies, sometimes seen in our communities, where the temptation to seek recognition for ourselves can overshadow our call to serve. We must be vigilant of our intentions—are we glorifying God, or seeking to glorify ourselves?

Our Lord teaches us that true greatness is found not in power or prestige, but in humble service. To be a servant of Christ is to embrace humility, a virtue that Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati exemplified so well. He quietly served the poor, often without recognition, embodying the spirit of “silent but effective” service. Like him, we are called to embrace suffering and hardship, offering them in union with Christ. This is the path to true greatness.

Humility, however, is not just about lowering ourselves—it is the foundation of holiness. The glory of our service comes when we are willing to bear the burdens of others, to be attentive to the needs of our brothers and sisters, and to serve without expecting anything in return. In this, we reflect the love of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve.

So, what then, is our mission? We are called to translate our faith into action, living it out in a world that desperately needs witnesses of authentic holiness. Our apostolate must set an example, showing the world the beauty of a life lived for Christ. By offering ourselves to His will, we become instruments of His grace, transforming the world around us and allowing the Lord to transform us into living witnesses of His love.

On this World Mission Sunday, let us remember and pray for our missionaries, especially those who have been sent to foreign lands. They are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, bringing the Gospel to those who have not yet heard it. May we, too, be inspired by their example and commit ourselves to the mission that the Church entrusts to each of us, with humility and unwavering faithfulness.

May we embrace our mission with the heart of a servant, always seeking to glorify God in all that we do.