Patience on Mission

A Reflection on the Second Reading for Sunday, August 20th, 2023:
​Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Romans
11.13-15, 29-32​

Brothers and sisters: Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an Apostle to the Gentiles, I glorify my ministry in order to make my own flesh and blood jealous, and thus save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead!

The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

In this week’s second reading, Saint Paul speaks about the salvation of the Gentiles – all people who do not belong to Israel, God’s chosen people. 

This is remarkable when you consider Paul’s history; the man who fiercely persecuted Christians has been transformed by his encounter with the Living Christ. He recognizes what hardness of heart looks like, from personal experience, and he is convinced of the need for all to repent, believe in the Gospel, and receive God’s mercy. He knows his own need for grace, and he desires it for his own community – where many are resisting and struggling to believe that Jesus is their long-awaited Messiah. 

Now he is going beyond himself and his own community to evangelize those whom he used to consider outsiders. Beautifully, he sees that this outward mission can also help accomplish God’s purposes in Israel; even if some are not ready to believe, he sees that they might become jealous for God’s love (generously shared with others) and so be drawn to Him. Like the elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son, they do not recognize that everything that the Father offers to the younger brother (the Gentiles) has been available to them all along. 

In my faith journey I can think of many times I have worked hard to try and convince people of the Gospel when their hearts weren’t actually open or ready to receive. When I had newly experienced a conversion of heart, I was particularly zealous and excitedly tried to share Jesus with loved ones who were doubtful, indifferent, and uninterested. Instead of looking for those around me who were open (where the Spirit had gone before me), I tried to double down – believing that if I only tried harder I could eventually convince them. That approach only pushed them further away, and I quickly became discouraged. 

Paul gives witness to a great example of how to hold people in prayer who are dear to you and who don’t yet know Christ. He humbly responds to the call to minister to those around him whose hearts are open and prepared to receive the Word. He does not despair, but he instead has hope that his efforts will indirectly reach his community and eventually bring much more fruit. Surrendering to (and trusting in) God’s plan, Paul is faithful to God’s unique call for him in his vocation, and he leaves the rest to unfold accordingly. 

Holy Spirit, please grant us the gift of wisdom to discern our mission field, along with patience to wait when we see places where we are not yet called to go. Help us place all our hope in you, rely on your strength, and grow in humility and love. Amen.




Kendra L.

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