We must give thanks to God because we Spaniards are very aware of what the Church is doing in so many countries where there is real suffering, poverty, division....
I believe that I am not exaggerating, that even people without faith greatly value the work, the dedication, and the life of those who work with us. missionaries around the world.
What I think is not so accurate is that their work is valued and appreciated, when what is really important is their presence in those places.
The missionaries they do many things for others, in the areas of assistance, education, medicine... but above all, they are there!
They are with those who need comfort, with those who seek an embrace, with those who ask to be heard.
They are there when natural catastrophes occur and live them with those who are part of their daily lives, they accompany those who mourn for a loved one who has died, they look with tenderness at the mother who sees how her son has been imprisoned for something bad they have done...
Missionaries are not those who do a lot, but those who share what they are. Those who give of themselves in the different opportunities that God gives them. They are those who pray for their people: "These are those who love their brothers, those who pray much for their people" (responsory of the Office of Shepherds).
That is why the motto of the Missionary Childhood Day of this year is "I share what I am". Children's eyes must be opened so that they can discover how much they can do for the missionaries and for the children they take care of.
Of course the donation you give is important and necessary! But we want to go a step further! Your prayer, your small sacrifice offered, your interest in reading his life, his letters... are a precious way of knowing that you are a missionary.
We all want to become more aware that mission is not only giving (although this is necessary), it is giving ourselves, it is getting involved, it is... feeling the joy that God relies on each one of us to carry out his mission.
