Resurrection to Mission: Living the Ancient FaithSample

Day 1: Resurrection to Mission

Today, we embark on a journey that is both ancient and urgently relevant: the journey from the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ to the mission we are called to live out in the power of Pentecost. Our theme, “From Resurrection to Mission: Living the Ancient Faith’s Message of Pentecost Today,” is not simply a theological idea or a remembrance of what happened 2,000 years ago. It is a call to action for each one of us, shaping how we live, especially as we enter the Apostles’ Fast - a season uniquely Coptic, apostolic, and powerful.

Let’s anchor ourselves in the words of our Lord after His Resurrection: “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21 NKJV)

This commission is not just for the apostles, but for every member of the Church throughout all ages, including us, here and now. The Resurrection is the foundation of our hope, and Pentecost is the source of our power. The mission is not optional; it is the natural outflow of encountering the Risen Lord and being filled with His Spirit.

In the Sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation, you are not just welcomed into the Church - you are commissioned for mission. You are anointed to be Christ’s hands and feet, showing forth His love and presence in the world. The Holy Spirit doesn’t simply “possess” us or give us superpowers. Instead, God acts through us as we cooperate with Him. The Holy Spirit’s indwelling at the time of the Sacrament of Chrismation is always for a purpose: to love, to serve, and to fulfill the mission God has given us.

St. Cyril of Alexandria, a great pillar of the Coptic Orthodox Church, reminds us: “By a certain God-given grace, believers follow in the footsteps of Christ…They obey the commands of Christ, and guided by His words, rise through grace, to His own dignity, for they are called children of God” (Commentary on John, Book 11). St. Cyril of Alexandria tells us that the mission of the Church is the continuation of the mission of Christ Himself.

The Church is not a museum of memories, but a living Body, animated by the Spirit, sent into the world to proclaim and embody the victory of Christ. As we stand at the threshold of the Apostles’ Fast, let us open our hearts to be set ablaze by the same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead and descended at Pentecost. We are invited to move from being spectators of God’s work to being participants in His ongoing mission: people who live boldly, joyfully, and sacrificially, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

So, as we begin, I urge you: don’t just listen with your mind. Listen with your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to ignite a new fire within you - a fire that will not only warm your soul but will light the world around you. The story of the Resurrection and Pentecost is not finished. It continues in us. Let’s journey together, from Resurrection to mission, and discover how we can live the message of Pentecost every day.

Reflection: How does knowing you are “sent” by Jesus change your perspective on your daily life? Where do you sense God calling you to bring Resurrection hope?

Today’s Challenge: Identify one area of your daily life where you can intentionally live as someone “sent” by Christ. Take a small step today to bring hope or encouragement to someone around you.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, as You were sent by the Father, send me by Your Spirit. Let me not be content to simply receive, but empower me to continue Your mission in the world. May my life today reflect Your purpose and love. Amen.