Spiritual Principles of Mission
Ten years have passed since Fr John Brian and few others have been tilling and planting seeds. On July 10, 2001, at the Family Conference in Toronto, Holy Transfiguration Mission officially joined the Mission Society of St Gregorios of India and began the mission work given to us in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
This week's Gospel (Luke chapter 10) focuses on the seventy disciples sent forth; the beginning of the ministry of Christian mission. The reading from Acts is about the Seven Deacons. St Paul's Epistle also speaks to the legacy of mission work - the continuing blessing to send forth dsciples to bring the message of Christ to a fallen world.
During this time of the Holy Apostles after Pentecost, Fr John Brian speaks about the basic spiritual principles and priorities of Orthodox Christian mission work in America. He stresses the importance for each of us in our continued spiritual development to participate in mission with the gifts and talents God has given us.
Fr John Brian uses the admonitions of Jesus Christ to those He sent ahead of Him to instruct us in s spiritual posture for this modern society and culture that does not understand Holy Orthodoxy.
This is an important teaching for every Orthodox Christian who lives in a non-Orthodox country, but also for those in countries and regions that are becoming increasingly secular.
It is clear that God's will is for everyone to know Him. As Jesus Christ admonishes in Luke 10:
"Tell them the kingdom of heaven is near to them."
This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, July 10, 2011 by Fr. John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission
Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.
"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.
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