When we think of a missionary, the first image that comes to mind is often someone who leaves home to bring the Gospel to distant places. But what if each of us could carry a mission of our own, and it were much closer than we imagine? Perhaps it is the colleague going through a hard time, a family member who needs to be listened to, or someone we see every day whose situation we never really come to know. To be missionaries, we are called to cross borders that are not geographical, but borders of empathy, listening, generosity and service to our neighbour.
To be a missionary means getting to know Jesus and translating his life into our own circumstances and those of the people around us, drawing those around us, especially those facing difficulties, closer to the Kingdom of God. Our faith becomes visibly alive when the decisions we make each day begin to reflect the mercy, humility and self-giving of Jesus: we decide not to leave anyone behind on the way, and we commit to helping those who are suffering among our brothers and sisters. We can find opportunities to live out our mission right where we are: at school, at work, in the parish, in our own family, or among our neighbours.
At just over twenty years of age, St. Marie Eugenie founded the Religious of the Assumption. Our reference saint was a missionary in every sense: she lived inspired by prayer, by education in the values of the Gospel and by the principle of treating everyone with dignity, thus placing Christianity at the service of social transformation. The mission of the Assumption is to live united to Christ and, from that union, to enter human history and transform it from within. Furthermore, by giving its name and inspiration to this great religious family, the Assumption of Mary invites us to contemplate Mary as a woman oriented towards God, with prayer as a fundamental way of recognising who God is and how we can serve others.
“I want to take part in that transformation, I want to be able to call myself a missionary, but how do I do it?” To bring the Kingdom to others, we can first build a good root for our mission, by becoming aware of God, focusing on speaking with him often, keeping prayer very present in our daily lives, forming the habit of reading and meditating on the Word, and taking part in the sacraments, where we can encounter Christ, the Lord’s grace and his community. Building on these habits, which turn our lives more towards God and make prayer the source of our actions, as it was for St. Marie Eugenie, we can gradually grow in sensitivity to people who suffer: those who are alone, those who are oppressed for one reason or another, or who have been wounded by the indifference of those around them.
The idea of being a missionary in everyday life particularly inspires me: knowing that I can live my different facets, both personal and professional, without being guided solely by the goals of the world, but learning to see reality with a gaze inspired by God through prayer, the Word, the sacraments and the religious community, which allows me to recognise the person who most needs my closeness and service. In this way, every area of life can become an opportunity to draw closer to our purpose, to resemble Christ more and more and to be instruments of his love for others, especially for those who, though not far from us, so often go unnoticed.
While you were reading, who came to mind? What gifts of the Holy Spirit do you notice that you could use for the benefit of someone close to you? Which social issues do you pay particular attention to, and how might you help? What can you do today to make your everyday environment a little brighter with the light of Christ you know? Where can you listen more? Where can you give of yourself more fully, and where can you help more? In which situations have you left happiest because of what you gave out of generosity? When have you felt fulfilled and at peace for acting in line with what you had prayed about? Who do you look up to as a reference, who is your model, and how can you translate their values into good for others?
From missionary to missionary, and following the example of St. Marie Eugenie, who understood the transforming power of a life given to Christ, I encourage you to heed that call to bring the spirit of Christ to others. It is a mission that does not need distant destinations; it can begin today, wherever you are: by listening attentively, looking with compassion and learning to recognise those who need your closeness and your love.
Mar Fernández Laiglesia
Colegio La Asunción, Gijón, class of 2016