St. Paul, model of missionaries

As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity bearing the theme “Gifted to give”, the 38th Parochial Fiesta celebration of St. Paul Parish, Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davao City, is a reminder of the many blessings received, especially the gift of faith which needs to be shared to others by being missionaries.

Fr. Zaldy Abonales, Parochial Vicar, invites parishioners to be grateful to the Lord as God’s generosity is always outpouring. His generosity is never limited.

Reflecting on the gospel, Fr. Zaldy said that, “Jesus, in reminding the apostles, embraced the mission given him by the Father with all humility and complete fidelity. It is the same invitation given to all the baptized, to be faithful to our calling as missionaries and continue the mission of Jesus with all humility and fidelity.”

He told the lectors and commentators being sent during the mass that the life of the baptized finds fulfilment in living the mission of the Lord Jesus. The true meaning of life can be found in living the purpose for which God has called us as laid down in his example. “His mission is our mission. His life is our life,” Fr. Zaldy observes.

For the parishioners and for all believers, the giftedness of St. Paul is worth thanking the Lord for. His life is an inspiration since, according to Fr. Zaldy, “St. Paul, the apostle, after his conversion embraced his mission unconditionally earning him the title the great apostle to the Gentiles and the foreigners and making him as well the beloved missionary of God.”

In his homily, Fr. Zaldy ended with the challenge: “Today, as we celebrate his conversion, as parishioners, we are invited to renew the mission we have received at baptism, that is to proclaim the Gospel in word and in action. Through the intercession of St. Paul the Apostle, may we find the courage to be faithful to our mission in season and out of season so that one day we may also hear the voice of the Father, ‘You are my son, you are my daughter, you are my child with whom I am well pleased.”