COMMISSIONED: TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH | By Sr. Theresa Ujunwa Nwali (SJGS)

Introduction:

The concept of being "commissioned to the ends of the earth" is deeply rooted in the teachings of Christianity, particularly in the Catholic tradition. This divine commission, given by Jesus Christ to his disciples, calls upon believers to spread the Gospel message to all nations and to engage in the work of evangelization. In this reflection, we will explore the theological significance and practical implications of this commission, delving into scriptural foundations, historical context, and the ongoing mission of the Church today. The biblical foundation is to help us know the solidity of our reflection, historical context aid in maintaining the tradition of handed to our fathers and to us as well. The ongoing mission throws is light on the continuity of messiahs work. 

1. BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS:

The primary scriptural reference for the commission to the ends of the earth can be found in Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." This Great Commission is seen as Jesus' final instruction to his apostles before ascending into heaven. This mandate, often referred to as the Great Commission, is a call to action for all followers of Jesus Christ. It is a command to go out into the world and share the Good News of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The mission mandate is threefold: to go, to make disciples, and to teach.

1.  THE COMMAND TO GO: implies a sense of urgency and movement. Jesus is not calling his disciples to stay in one place, but to move out into the world, crossing cultural and geographical boundaries to share the Gospel. This going is not limited to physical movement, but also includes spiritual and social movement, as disciples are called to engage with their communities and share the love of Christ.

2.   THE COMMAND TO MAKE DISCIPLES: implies a process of transformation andgrowth. Discipleship is not simply about converting people to Christianity, but about helping them grow in their faith and become more like Jesus. This involves teaching, mentoring, and guiding people as they learn to follow Jesus and live out their faith in everyday life.

1.3  THE COMMAND TO TEACH: implies a responsibility to pass on the teachings of Jesus and help new disciples understand the principles of Christian living. This teaching is not limited to doctrine and theology, but also includes practical instruction on how to live a life of love, compassion, and service.

Additionally, in the book of Acts, Jesus affirms the apostles as witnesses to spread the Gospel throughout the world: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This passage implies that the fulfillment of the commission requires the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

0.2  HISTORICAL CONTEXT:

The early Christian community embraced the call to mission, expanding the faith to various regions and cultures. The Apostle Paul is often recognized as a prominent figure in the execution of the commission, as he embarked on multiple missionary journeys to spread the Gospel in Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. Later, as Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, missionaries and monks ventured further afield, establishing Christian communities as far as Africa, Asia, and Europe.

The Catholic Church played a crucial role in fostering missionary activities, especially through the formation of religious orders dedicated to evangelization. The Jesuits, for instance, notable for their missionary zeal, were instrumental in bringing Christianity to various corners of the globe during the age of discoveries.

0.3.  THE ONGOING MISSION OF THE CHURCH:

The commission to the ends of the earth is not limited to the early apostles or missionaries from centuries past. Rather, it remains an imperative for the Church today. Pope Francis, in his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, emphasizes the essential nature of the Church's missionary vocation: "Every Christian is a missionary to the extent that he or she has encountered the love of God in Christ Jesus."(Evangelii Gaudium, 120).

In contemporary society, the call to the ends of the earth extends beyond exclusively geographical boundaries. It also encompasses reaching out to people on the margins, those who are spiritually, emotionally, or physically distant from the love and grace of God. The Church is called to stand in solidarity with the poor, the oppressed, and all those in need, addressing the social, economic, and political factors that hinder their access to the Gospel.

Conclusion

The commission of Jesus Christ is that of service and self-devotion. Saint Luigi Guanella will always say that “the whole world is our homeland” which literally means that we are called to be the salt of the earth in proclaiming the divine word. The proclamation of the word should know no boundary as Jesus commissioned us to. In résumé, we are the custodian of the word and we should always learn to take it to where faith as brought us even if it will cost us our lives, we can happily give the account of mission just as the Martyrs of Rome did during the persecution of Emperor Nero