The Mission: Mission Work as Kingdom Work - Missional (Colossians 3:23-24)

In the film The Mission, we are drawn into the lush, vibrant jungles of 18th-century South America, where Jesuit priests dedicate their lives to serving the Guaraní people. Picture Fr. Gabriel, a passionate Jesuit, his hands calloused from labor as he builds a school from rough-hewn timber. Each nail he drives echoes with purpose—this isn’t just construction; it’s a sacred act of service to Christ. The children, wide-eyed and eager, gather around him, their laughter mingling with the sound of the jungle, as he teaches them to read and write.

Now, imagine the aroma of fresh earth as Fr. Rodrigo, a fellow missionary, tends to the fields alongside the Guaraní farmers. The rich soil between his fingers is more than mere dirt; it holds the promise of sustenance and hope. Each seed he plants is a prayer, each sprout a testament to the Kingdom's growth. “This is for Christ,” he murmurs, sweat glistening on his brow, knowing that every effort is part of a larger tapestry of God’s love unfolding in this community.

Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us that whatever we do—whether it’s preaching, teaching, or planting—we are serving the Lord Christ. The beauty of mission lies in its sacred integration of every task. It’s not just about the spiritual words shared; it’s about the physical acts of love that demonstrate God’s Kingdom on earth.

So, as we ponder our own callings, let us remember that every moment spent in service, no matter how small, is a brushstroke in God's masterpiece. Each act, when done with joy and purpose, reverberates through eternity, as we work together to expand His Kingdom.