World mission

On Sunday, the Anglican Church of North America commemorates “World Mission.”  Sounds exciting!  As Anglicans, we are certainly blessed with a global perspective since our connections with Africa, South America, and Asia are strong and vigorous.  You can hear that often represented in our Prayers of the People, when we remember our persecuted brothers and sisters and our missionary partners. 

 And yet, what is “World Mission,” exactly?  In our current politicized culture, it may sound colonial or oppressive.  Or to those of us who are not called as missionaries, it may sound distant or irrelevant or unattainable.  

 As we explore our text from Revelation 7, we’ll see that “world mission” is not a program but a process of transformation that includes all of us.  

 O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 Amen.