Dear Brothers, God wants us to break away from our ‘comfort zone’ and step out in faith to do what He thinks is best for us. Are we ready to take up this challenge?
A SESSION with Bishop J. M. ABELLA (Auxiliary Bishop of Osaka)
Place: SACRA FAMIGLIA, Osaka Umeda Catholic Church
Date: OCTOBER 15 ~ 16, 2019
Time: 2 PM
PURPOSE: To begin a process of REFLECTION and EVALUATION of our mission in Japan
Our last General Chapter (2016) pointed out six areas of mission for our reflection and work. One of them, the first in the Chapter document was about the new faces of the poor. This is a real challenge for us all, in a time where “the Church, along with the entire world, is experiencing an age of great transformation, in the most diverse of fields.” (Pope Francis).
But we should strive to seek out those at the peripheries with their many faces: migrants, refugees, victims of addicts, war, violence, trafficking and those that are materially & spiritually poor, and do not know Jesus Christ.
As we thank God for our seventy years of presence in Japan, let me invite us to reflect on our future in this mission. In preparation for our session with Bishop ABELLA let me propose a few questions that would require prayer and discernment both at the personal and community levels.
Let us ask ourselves –
- What is OMI identity for Japan in order to know why I am/we are here?
- Do we still make a relevant presence in Japan or are we just trying to survive?
- Does the church in Japan need religious, if so what is our contribution?
- If we are to make a difference in the society, are we ready to let go of our past, fears, security etc.?
- God wants us to break away from our ‘comfort zone’ and step out in faith to do what He thinks is best for us. Are we ready to take up this challenge?
Bradly Rozairo OMI
