Go! We are Sent

A Reflection on the Second Reading for Sunday, January 5th, 2024:
The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

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Ephesians
​3.2-3a, 5-6

Brothers and sisters: Surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation.

In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind as it has now been revealed to his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

What do you think is the most important ministry in the world? What is it that, when you see that pulpit promo, or hear about the good work some organization is doing, your heart is moved and excited to help? 

I distinctly remember being 17 years old when my mom showed me a video of some Christian missionaries who were working with the poor in third world countries. When I saw their work, I was absolutely struck to the heart, and it was the beginning of a two- or three-year search for how I could help alleviate the suffering I witnessed there. In the end, I spent a couple years doing mission work away from my hometown, serving the poor and proclaiming the Gospel.

What does it mean to preach the Gospel to all nations? We know for sure that Jesus has called us to this. But how are you called to respond? Because if you’re anything like me, maybe you’ve felt that there is just so much need out there, or thought, “What can I do?” 

To those who are involved in compassionate ministry to the lonely and home-bound, that is one of the most important areas of need in our society. 

Prison chaplains are deeply aware of the need for good care and work among the imprisoned. 

If you have worked with the hungry and homeless on the streets of Halifax or Calcutta or wherever else, you know that this need is pressing and important. 

And what about the need for good, Catholic education for children who may otherwise experience a lack of meaning, safety or truth in their schools? 

These needs are all pressing, but I am not called, as one person, to satisfy every single need. Jesus is the Savior of the World—not me! Praise God.

Maybe my portion begins by bringing the presence of Christ to those places within myself that have not yet encountered Him. Are there parts of me that are afraid? Unforgiving? Ashamed or confused? What if, in these small places, we have the courage to proclaim, “the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, is born here today!” 

And as we begin to encounter Him anew, it will inevitably overflow. We are not—as the 2nd reading reminds us—a people converted for our own sakes, or to be an exclusive club. Perhaps this is where those questions can be of some help: what drives you? What moves your compassion and makes you want to see a change? We receive Christ so as to joyfully experience salvation and to bring as many others to Him as possible.




Sr. Angela Burnham

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