Can you please introduce yourself and your role as the National Director at Catholic Mission?
Hello, I’m Father Brian Lucas, a priest of the Archdiocese of Sydney. For the past nine years, I have been serving as the National Director of Catholic Mission, a role that involves providing coordination and leadership in promoting the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies both in Australia and around the world.
What does Christmas symbolise for Catholic and people around the world from a Christian faith?
For Catholic people, the celebration of Christmas is a profound recognition of the extraordinary mystery of our faith: that God, in an act of unparalleled love, entered our world in the person of Jesus, the baby born in Bethlehem. This event, known as the Incarnation, is central to the Christian belief that God chose to walk among us, sharing in our human experience.
The birth of Jesus is more than a historical moment; it is a spiritual gift that reveals to us the path to God. Through His teachings, His life, and ultimately His sacrifice, Jesus shows us what it truly means to live in the fullness of love, peace, and joy. Christmas invites all of us to reflect on this divine presence and to embrace the transformative power of God’s love in their lives.
How can the message of hope and love from the Christmas story inspire individuals in their everyday lives?
We live in a world often marked by suffering and despair, yet hope endures—a light that shines through the darkness. This hope is rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, whose victory over sin and death assures us that renewal is always possible and that God’s love is greater than any trial we face.
Beyond this divine promise, hope is strengthened through the love we experience from those around us. Acts of kindness, compassion, and support remind us of God’s presence in our lives, offering reassurance that we are never alone in our struggles.
This Christmas, may we hold fast to this hope, sharing it with others and allowing it to inspire us to be lights in a world in need of love, renewal, and unwavering faith.
In what ways can the themes of Christmas—such as joy, giving, and community— relate to the work of missionaries worldwide?
The work of mission is to proclaim the Kingdom of God to all nations, a task that goes far beyond words. It is a living testimony expressed through the joy of encounter, the mutual sharing of resources, and the building of inclusive and loving communities. This mission invites us to live out the Gospel by fostering unity, promoting justice, and reaching out to the people most in need. In proclaiming God's Kingdom, we become witnesses to His love, offering hope and transformation to a world longing for peace and compassion. Together, we build a world rooted in faith and solidarity.
Can you share a reflection on how the birth of Christ serves as a foundation for embarking on a missionary journey?
The extraordinary reality that God entered our world in the person of Jesus and entrusted us with the task of sharing the Good News of the Kingdom of God is the foundation of all missionary activity. Jesus proclaimed that He came so that we might have life and have it to the full—a promise that inspires and sustains our mission. This divine revelation began with the humble birth of a baby in Bethlehem, symbolising hope and light for humanity. It found its ultimate fulfilment in the sacrificial death and glorious resurrection of Jesus, offering redemption and eternal life to all. Missionary work reflects this transformative message, inviting the world to encounter God’s boundless love.
