Embracing Our Mission: Witnessing Christ in Everyday Life
Summary
It’s a joy to begin this new chapter with you at Epiphany. My journey from Peoria, through college and a brief stint in finance, to the priesthood has been filled with unexpected turns, humbling moments, and the grace of God’s providence. As I settle into this community, I’m reminded of the importance of building trust and learning from one another, especially as we walk together in faith. The relationships we form, the laughter we share, and even the awkward moments—like being mistaken for a high schooler or denied a beer for lack of ID—are all part of the tapestry God weaves in our lives.
Reflecting on the Gospel, we see Jesus sending out the 72 disciples to prepare the way for his coming. This isn’t just a historical event; it’s a living pattern that continues in the Church today. The apostolic tradition, where bishops and priests are sent to serve, is a visible sign of this ongoing mission. Yet, the Holy Spirit’s work is not limited to the clergy or the sacraments. Every baptized person is called to participate in this mission, to be the hands and feet of Christ in daily life—at home, at work, and even in moments of leisure.
A story from last summer at Wrigley Field illustrates this beautifully. Amidst the noise and excitement, a woman quietly prayed her rosary, unashamed to let her faith be seen. Our encounter with her was a reminder that opportunities to witness to Christ can arise anywhere, and that authentic faith often shines brightest in ordinary settings. The very word “Mass” comes from the Latin “misa”—to be sent. We gather to be nourished by Word and Sacrament, but we are sent out to bring Christ’s peace to a world in need.
Jesus’ instructions to his disciples—to stay in one house and eat what is offered—signaled a breaking down of barriers that once separated people. The old laws, meant to preserve Israel’s identity, were now being transformed so that the Gospel could reach all nations. In Christ, the promise of salvation is fulfilled, and we are invited to carry that promise to others. As we come to the altar, may our zeal be renewed, and may we be ready to witness to the Lord whenever and wherever the opportunity arises.
Key Takeaways
- God’s call often comes in unexpected ways and through humble circumstances. Our personal histories, with all their twists and turns, are not obstacles but the very means by which God prepares us for service. Embracing our own story allows us to connect authentically with others and to see God’s hand at work in every detail. [01:20]
- The mission of Christ is not confined to the clergy or to formal ministry. Every baptized believer is sent out, equipped by Word and Sacrament, to be Christ’s presence in the world. The Holy Spirit empowers each of us to bring hope, healing, and peace wherever we are planted. [04:46]
- Authentic faith is often revealed in ordinary moments and places. Whether in a church, a ballpark, or a casual conversation, God provides opportunities to witness to his love. Being attentive and open to these moments allows us to share Christ in ways that are both natural and transformative. [05:46]
- The breaking down of barriers is central to the Gospel. Jesus’ instructions to his disciples to accept hospitality—even from those outside their tradition—demonstrate that God’s salvation is for all people. We are called to move beyond comfort zones and cultural boundaries, becoming instruments of unity and reconciliation. [07:20]
- The Eucharist is both a source of nourishment and a commissioning. Gathering at the altar renews our zeal and equips us to be sent into the world. Our worship is incomplete unless it leads us to active witness and service, carrying the peace of Christ to those who need it most. [08:42]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Introduction and Personal Background
[01:20] - Humbling Moments and Building Trust
[02:23] - First Encounter with Father Dave
[03:21] - Learning from Each Other and the Call to Mission
[03:59] - The Sending of the 72: A Pattern for Today
[04:46] - The Role of Every Believer in Mission
[05:46] - Faith in Unexpected Places: Wrigley Field Story
[06:29] - Opportunities to Witness in Daily Life
[07:20] - Jesus’ Instructions: Breaking Down Barriers
[08:00] - Fulfillment of God’s Promise in Christ
[08:42] - Renewed Zeal and the Call to Witness
[09:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Epiphany Small Group Bible Study Guide
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### Bible Reading
Luke 10:1-9 (ESV)
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
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### Observation Questions
1. What instructions did Jesus give to the 72 disciples when he sent them out? (Luke 10:1-9)
2. According to the sermon, what are some ways God’s call can come to us in unexpected or humble circumstances? [01:20]
3. What did the woman at Wrigley Field do that made her faith visible, and how did the priests respond? [05:46]
4. What was significant about Jesus telling his disciples to eat and drink whatever was offered to them? [07:20]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might Jesus have chosen to send out ordinary people, not just the apostles, to prepare the way for him? (Luke 10:1-2)
2. The sermon mentions that every baptized person is called to participate in Christ’s mission, not just clergy. What does this mean for how we view our daily lives and work? [04:46]
3. How does the story of the woman praying the rosary at Wrigley Field challenge our ideas about where and how faith can be expressed? [05:46]
4. What does it mean that Jesus’ instructions to accept hospitality broke down old barriers? How might this shape the way we interact with people who are different from us? [07:20]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor shared about his own journey, including awkward and humbling moments. Can you think of a time when something unexpected or humbling in your life helped you grow in faith or connect with others? [01:20]
2. Jesus sent out the 72 to bring peace and healing wherever they went. Where in your daily life—at home, work, or during leisure—do you sense God might be sending you to be his presence? [04:46]
3. The woman at Wrigley Field was unashamed to pray in public. Are there places in your life where you find it hard to let your faith be seen? What holds you back, and what might help you be more open? [05:46]
4. The sermon talked about breaking down barriers and accepting hospitality from those outside our comfort zone. Is there a person or group you tend to avoid or feel uncomfortable around? What is one step you could take to build a bridge this week? [07:20]
5. The Eucharist is described as both nourishment and a sending out. How does participating in worship or communion equip you for the week ahead? Is there a way you can be more intentional about carrying Christ’s peace into your daily routines? [08:42]
6. The pastor said our personal stories, with all their twists and turns, are the very means by which God prepares us for service. How might you share your own story with someone this week as a way to encourage or connect with them? [01:20]
7. Think about a recent “ordinary” moment—at a store, a game, or with friends—where you could have witnessed to Christ’s love. What would it look like to be more attentive and open to those opportunities in the coming days? [06:29]
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