Judges like Gideon or Jephthah were not trained fighters, but they discovered strength within themselves when they realized their people needed their assistance. They took up arms. Moses developed a fierce sense of commitment to liberating Israel, even as their cry reached up to the heavens. Such people recognised their own limitations, but they trusted in the Lord. Gideon felt that he was poor (cf. Judges, 6:13), Jeremiah that he was young (cf. Jeremiah, 1:6), Moses that he was slow of speech (cf. Exodus, 4:10). But as the love they had for their people was so intense, they could not resist their inner urge to help. Feeling passionately for the people to whom one has been sent gets planted deep into the heart of a good missionary.
Primarily the call comes from within. No sincere person can remain indifferent to a pressing problem. Society’s needs cannot be ignored. God’s call cannot be bypassed. Will not committed citizens come forward at any risk and intervene on behalf of their people? But ultimately, the call is from the Lord who likes to intervene through you. Mahatma Gandhi felt called to plunge himself into the task of liberating India; Martin Luther King, of liberating his people; Nelson Mandela, of bringing harmony to his nation. Moses heard the cry of his people in Egypt; Xavier, of the fisher-folk on India’s southern shores; John Paul II, of the people oppressed by Communist regimes in Eastern Europe.
Francis of Assisi ardently desired to contribute to the spiritual welfare of humanity through his witness, Dominic through preaching, John Marie Vianney through pastoral care, Francis Xavier through his missionary reach-out, Cardinal Newman through his service to the English Church. Mother Teresa wanted to serve Christ in the ‘distressing disguise of the poor’, Fr. Damien through his service to lepers, Fr. Flanagan to poor boys.
OVERCOME YOUR LIMITATIONS
A young missionary seeks to understand the needs of his people at whose service he is, and whom he holds immensely dear. He studies their culture, their customs, their strong points, their longing for the future, and identifies himself with them to the best of his ability. His own limitations do not dissuade him. Lord Byron had a clubfoot, John Keats tuberculosis; Beethoven was deaf, Julius Caesar suffered from epilepsy. But they performed. Margaret Thatcher began with a humble work in her father’s grocery shop until she was twenty-one. But she emerged.
The radical commitment certain leaders had for their people drove their followers to do the most daring thing side by side with them. That is what is told of ambition-driven men like Alexander, Caesar or Napoleon in their times. Thousands were willing to die for them. Great missionaries produced heroic propagators of faith like themselves to the amazement of the originators themselves. Love has immense transforming power.
Veteran missionaries urge the younger generation to reflect on their future mission and cultivate dreams of great achievement. Radical commitment should be cultivated.
Think of the words with which God welcomed young Joshua to his responsibility, “Be confident and determined” (Joshua, 1:6). Some other translations say, ‘Be strong and of good courage.’ It is to these qualities of determination and sturdiness that we need to introduce the younger missionaries and their lay collaborators from the beginning. Young people like to be respected for their sturdiness and strength. Many of their youthful longings are legitimate. Hold up before them the ideal of placing their total strength at the service of the Lord and his people. Kindle fire in them.
In the Bible, being “strong” is a gift of God, but also a responsibility towards others. Your health is not your private property, but an asset of society and of the Church; it is a treasure entrusted to you for the welfare of humanity. “He fills my life with good things, so that I stay young and strong like an eagle” (Psalm, 103: 5). God assures Israel, “Do not be afraid–I am with you! I am your God–let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you” (Isaiah, 41: 10).
DEVELOP SINCERITY OF PURPOSE
Being “strong” for a missionary is not merely for walking distances and climbing mountains as a missionary, it is for standing challenges and contradictions of every kind in one’s priestly/religious/missionary life: relating well with people especially people of an unpleasant or provocative character, being patient and kind, accepting humiliations, never taking offense nor giving offense; being creative, dynamic; working with people who differ in culture; developing the ability to recognize talent in other people and encourage them, winning collaboration even from reluctant people, ability to listen. The list can be long. What is most important is to gather determination and develop sincerity of purpose in God’s service.
