Recalling my first missionary journey

 

Today we read how Jesus sent out the twelve apostles on their first missionary journey (Luke 9:1-6). They were to take nothing with them, no staff, nor bag, no bread or money. I am reminded of my first missionary journey when I arrived in Baianopolis, a rural area in Western Bahia in Brasil. No priest had ever lived there before and elderly Padre Armindo came once a year on a horse and spent 10 days going around the villages celebrating the feasts, months away from the true dates. I was asked to follow the same practice and headed off on a bicycle, with just the requirements for mass and sacraments on the carrier of the bike. I first arrived in Tabua and was directed to the house where Armindo always stayed. We gathered that night to prepare for tomorrow's feast, singing, reflecting on the readings and taking the names for 30 baptisms and six weddings, which were celebrated next morning. After a meal, it was on the bike for the 30 kilometres on the sandy road to Lagoa Clara where I was welcomed into the home of Joao. I particularly remember that first visit because one of the men arrived for his wedding on a bicycle with the bride on the carrier! Ten days, ten villages, ten celebrations. It was a great way to get to know the people, staying in their homes and eating with them. Today, I am not riding a bicycle along sandy roads but the same challenge is still there. How can we share the Living Word in these troubled Covid and climate change affected times? On their return, the apostles told Jesus all they had done, their enthusiasm bubbling over. What can we do today that we will have to tell Jesus about tonight?