On the 16th day of ordinary time, a little over a week after returning from Mongolia, which was on the 15th of July, and the beginning of the 15th week of ordinary time — that’s how it stays in my memory— on the Feast of St James, the first apostle martyr, the first reading 2 Cor 4:7-15 reads from verse 8:

We are subjected to every kind of hardship, but never distressed; we see no way out but we never despair; we are pursued but never cut off; knocked down but still have some life in us; always we carry with us in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus, too may be visible in our body.

2 Cor 4:8-10

relates to my personal encounter from the mission visit to Mongolia, and gives strength for daily living.

At the end of the last mass where we gathered at the CICM Mission House, Fr Ronald said we are all called be missionaries and spread the Gospel. He said in fact we should be called out from our comfort zone and we too can be missionaries from wherever we are. Fr Ronald mentioned how St St Therese of Lisieux, patroness of missionaries, prayed from and didn’t leave her own home. I take the message of being missionary disciples to whomever we meet, wherever we are and we go.

These are the strong spiritual movements and messages I have encountered in my heart and hold close from the journey in Mongolia. Some are revivals for me, especially of the Word!

• God will provide and take care of us, always trust in Him

• We will carry out our mission after we listen to the Word of God

• From Mass readings: do not hold grudges, persecution purifies us, and lead from God’s heart

• Spiritual sensing: strong connection to the Word, carrying that everywhere I go, humbled and touched by the sacrifice and dedication of the missionaries, and the joy seen in the smiles of the children.