Missionaries at Home: Following God’s Call in Your Daily Life ~ Episode 365

Understanding the Heart of a Missionary

Missionaries are individuals who dedicate their lives to spreading the Gospel and serving others out of love for Christ. But you don’t need to travel to distant lands to be one. As our pastor, Fr. Shawn, profoundly shared in a recent sermon, true giving isn’t about what we receive in return—it’s a selfless act empowered by God’s grace. This idea resonated deeply with me, prompting prayer and reflection on how it applies to everyday life.

Consider the missionaries who give not just their time but often their very lives for the sake of others. They do so because of a divine calling and the grace God provides. As Scripture reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” We might view such commitment as insurmountable because we haven’t yet received that specific grace. Yet, when God calls, He equips.

I’ve met missionaries who recount blessings amid hardships. One friend, invited by a priest to serve in a poor community alongside her doctor husband, faced unexpected challenges. Meals were simple rice and beans—not due to lack of funds, but to share in the locals’ daily reality. They slept on thin mats under mosquito nets, enduring heat and rain. Though they cut their ten-day stay short to a week due to illness, possibly from food or water, she described it as the hardest yet most rewarding experience. It began with an invitation rather than a direct calling, but it led to ongoing support for that community.

Mother Teresa: A Model of Perseverance Through Spiritual Dryness

Mother Teresa exemplifies missionary life, yet her story reveals profound inner struggles. Outwardly, we saw a saint tirelessly serving the poorest in Calcutta, founding the Missionaries of Charity, and embodying Christ’s love. However, her private writings, revealed after her death, spoke of a deep “dryness of soul”—periods of spiritual desolation where she felt abandoned by God, devoid of the consolations she once experienced.

Despite this, Mother Teresa persisted, viewing her suffering as a way to unite with Christ’s passion. In her letters, she described this darkness as lasting decades, yet she continued her work, saying it was for Jesus alone. As shared in Catholic sources like LifeSiteNews, this struggle didn’t diminish her grace; it highlighted her faithfulness. Drawing from Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Her example teaches us that God’s calling isn’t always accompanied by feelings of joy—sometimes it’s a deliberate choice to obey, trusting in His sustaining power.

Does this mean Mother Teresa lacked God’s grace? Absolutely not. It shows that even saints face trials, but grace enables endurance. As in Romans 5:3-5, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Her life inspires us to press on, even when spiritual dryness clouds our path.

The Essence of Missionary Giving: Selfless Service Without Expectation

Being a missionary means giving of ourselves without seeking rewards. Consolations—those warm feelings of joy during prayer, service, or worship—are graces from God, not signs of our holiness. As I once read in spiritual writings, these boosts come when we’re struggling in faith or need encouragement. We’re all works in progress, as Philippians 1:6 assures: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Mother Teresa began with those initial warm feelings but continued through dryness, driven by her heart’s calling. This reminds us that missionary work is often a decision, not just an emotion. When we follow God’s lead, blessings may follow, but they’re not the goal.

How to Become a Missionary at Home: Practical Steps

You can live as a missionary right in your own surroundings. Here’s how to start:

1. Begin with Prayer and Time with God

It all starts in quiet communion with the Lord. Dedicate daily time to prayer, seeking His guidance. As James 1:5 encourages, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Through prayer, discern your unique calling.

2. Start in Your Own Home

Missionary work begins with those closest to you—your family. Serve your spouse, children, or roommates with love and patience. Ephesians 5:21 urges, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Small acts like listening attentively or helping with chores become missionary opportunities.

3. Ask the Lord to Lead You to Those in Need

Invite God to bring people across your path. Be open to unexpected encounters. Matthew 25:40 reminds us, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”

My husband and I became missionaries to engaged couples through an opportunity that found us. Initially hesitant, I embraced it, and for four years, we’ve mentored couples preparing for Catholic marriage. We emphasize the sanctity of matrimony, openness to life, and its permanence—contrasting worldly views of temporary commitments or “trial runs.” Marriage, like surrendering to Christ, is a lifelong gift to God and each other. This hasn’t been easy, but it’s rewarding, drawing us closer as a couple. Now, I’m eager to train other mentors to continue this legacy.

Opportunities to Serve: Especially During the Holidays

Pray and ask God how you can share your gifts as a missionary at home. Others might help identify your talents—perhaps teaching, hospitality, or encouragement. During holidays, abundant chances arise: charitable donations, visiting the elderly, or volunteering with organizations. As Galatians 6:9 exhorts, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Giving of yourself can be tough, but wholeheartedly done, it contributes to a greater good. Like my husband and me, even small efforts make a difference.

I pray you find joy and hope in serving others—it’s a calling for all of us! As we close, remember Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Related Episodes on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

For more uplifting discussions on living out your faith, check out these episodes from A Few Minutes with God Podcast:
- Vocation and Purpose – Explores Christian views on vocation and purpose, balancing family, work, and faith, with practical tips like daily prayer and using talents to serve others.
- Your God Given Purpose – Guides on discovering God-given purpose in chaos through listening to God, embracing gifts, and trusting His plan with daily prayer.