The message of Fatima is a call to conversion. … In her motherly concern, the Blessed Virgin came here to Fatima to ask men and women ‘to stop offending God, Our Lord, who is already very offended.’ It is a mother’s sorrow that compels her to speak; the destiny of her children is at stake. - Pope Saint John Paul II Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us. (fb)

Mission life is not this perfect and glamorous lifestyle, but rather a beautiful and messy and human thing. Where Jesus, the one who is most glorious and most perfect, comes down to meet humanity in her flaws, her disappointments, her wounds, her lows, but also in humanities joys and wonders and highs. Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium says “Life is attained and matures in the measure that it is offered up in order to give life to others. This is certainly what mission means.”  I came into this mission year with very little expectations. These past several months of mission have truly transformed my life. There have been many highs, but many lows too. But I have seen God work in each and every one of those moments. Mission is so much more than going out to serve those in need, it can also bring healing and transformation amongst our own lives as well. A good friend of mine described mission in a letter to me really beautifully. He said “It leads to an adventure of going out, into the deep, beyond comfort, but precisely to the place of encounter and healing. God can use anything and everything for His Good and our healing.”  As Catholics, we are all called to a life of mission. Maybe that looks like actually becoming a missionary or maybe it looks like doing little things that share the good news of the Gospel. Let us say “yes” to Jesus. Let us open our hearts to Him and pick up our crosses and follow Him.  Grace C. @cultureproject_phl (fb)