Many people wonder what it really means when we say “the Church continues the mission of Jesus.” After all, Jesus’ earthly ministry ended two thousand years ago — yet His work is still alive in the world today. This is one of the most beautiful mysteries of our faith: that Christ’s mission did not end with His Ascension, but continues through His Body — the Church.
When Jesus rose from the dead, He told His disciples, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21). In that moment, He shared His own mission with them — to bring God’s love, forgiveness, and healing to all people. The Church was born from that sending. Guided by the Holy Spirit, she became the living presence of Christ in history, continuing to proclaim the Good News of salvation and to call hearts back to the Father.
We see this mission lived out in many ways. Through preaching and teaching, the Church shares the truth of the Gospel — just as Jesus taught on hillsides and in homes. Through the sacraments, she continues His works of mercy and healing: baptism welcomes new life, the Eucharist feeds souls with His very Body, and reconciliation restores hearts wounded by sin. Through acts of service and charity, the Church reaches out to the poor, the lonely, and the forgotten — revealing the same compassion that shone in Christ.
What this means is that every baptized person shares in that same mission. We are all called to be “Christ’s hands and feet” in our families, workplaces, and communities. Whenever we forgive, serve, or bring peace where there is division, we help make Christ’s presence real in the world. The mission is not only for priests or missionaries — it belongs to the whole People of God.
May we remember that the Church is not a distant institution, but the living Body of Christ moving through history. Each time we love as He loved, we continue His mission — quietly, faithfully, and with joy.
Lord Jesus, help us to be Your Church in the world — to speak Your truth, show Your mercy, and bring Your light wherever there is darkness.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way
