Jesus' Call to Faithfulness in Mission

by Deacon Lorna Goodison on June 21, 2023

When it comes to steadfast faithfulness in doing God’s work, Jesus is our supreme role model. Jesus’ entire life was totally devoted to the work of God on earth. We remember also the prophets, the apostles, the Saints, and role models like the Reverend Dr.  Martin Luther King Jr. and the Reverend Oscar Romero. They were single-mindedly and sacrificially committed to God’s call to mission.

       In Sunday’s gospel (Matthew 10:24-39), Jesus is preparing His twelve disciples for their mission to bring “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” into God’s fold. They will go in His power and authority. But before they leave, He prepares them for possible opposition and persecution. He instructs them on the absolute faithful Christ-centered lives they would need to live for success in spreading the good news of the gospel.

      The disciples were sent to proclaim in word and in healing ministry the good news that God sent Jesus into the world to bring salvation to all who believe; to the poor, the sick and all who reside on the margins of society. Some would reject the disciples’ message and persecute or wrongly accuse them, just like they did Jesus. But Jesus told the disciples not to fear those who opposed them. “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

       Jesus’ message was that while those who have the power to kill the disciples for proclaiming the good news may seem to pose the greater danger, denying Jesus would bear more dire consequences, even condemnation. Faithfulness to God may bring hardship but fear not, God upholds and exalts the persecuted. And faithfulness to God leads to eternal rewards because of God’s boundless welcoming love.

       But is it truly possible for the disciples and us, lowly humans not be afraid when facing persecution, jeering, or criticism? Jesus’ exhortation to have no fear and to remain faithful (take up the cross) is to be viewed from God’s loftier long-term perspective, God’s plan for salvation and eternal life for all. God engages disciples and us to participate in the transformative mission of turning people’s hearts to God.  Seeking only short-term good, we are tempted to sacrifice God’s mission and succumb to the pressure of being unfaithful to the good news of Christ, denying Him for the sake of eliminating opposition, maintaining friendships or meeting our ego needs. The true cost of discipleship is an interior conviction of the abiding truth of God’s word and absolute commitment to His way of life that makes us “die to self” and be “alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

      Thanks be to God, for His loving and patient forbearance, for we are not always the faithful missionary disciples we ought to be. “You O Lord, are good and forgiving, and great is your love to all who call upon you.” (Psalm 86:5).

Tags: persecution, salvation, good news, healing, opposition, faithfulness, lost sheep, eternal rewards

About the Author
Deacon Lorna Goodison

Reverend Lorna Goodison was ordained to the Diaconate on April 29, 2007. After discerning a call to ordained ministry, Deacon Lorna completed a process of spiritual discernment and pursued three years of study at the Diocesan School for Christian Studies. She also completed three units of hospice care training through Vitas and for a short while she was a volunteer Chaplain. Highlights of her continuing education activities include a guided visit to Israel and attending the Festival of Homiletics in Boulder, Colorado.

Soon after her ordination, Deacon Lorna was called to serve as Deacon at St. Mary Magdalene. She initiated an outreach ministry to the homeless at St. Laurence Chapel, obtaining the support and involvement of most members of the congregation. This ministry remained a vibrant outreach of the Church until the Chapel closed in 2019.  Other outreach ministries formed include an informal group of members who stay in touch with members who are ill and shut-in. Deacon Lorna remains committed to both the in-reach and outreach ministries of the Church. She has led quiet day reflections for groups within and outside of St. Mary Magdalene. She has often led Deacon’s Masses at small churches without a priest. Of all the ministries in which Deacon Lorna participates, she is most humbled and grateful to be involved in the ministry of praying with congregants facing life’s challenges.

Deacon Lorna serves the Diocese of Southeast Florida as a member of the Disciplinary Committee. She also serves on the Board of Deacons.   

Professionally, Deacon Lorna worked for some years in Human Resource Departments as a Training Manager, but most of her working years were spent in Social Work. She worked with at-risk teenagers counselling them and guiding them to resources to build a meaningful future. The last twenty years of her profession, were spent working with Seniors, guiding them to the resources needed to maintain their safety and independence. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Adult Education. She is now retired, cherishes some alone time for prayer and reflection, but divides her time between the Church and her family which consists of two daughters, their husbands and three grandchildren.

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