As we approach the final days of Lent, the liturgy of the Church grows more intense, focusing our hearts on the gathering of the people of God and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. For those of us who carry a burden for the missions, these daily readings from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) are not merely historical accounts or spiritual platitudes; they are a direct roadmap for our missionary vocation.

On this Saturday, the 28th of March, 2026, the scriptures present a profound vision of unity and the formation of a local clergy that can sustain that unity. When we engage with the daily readings, we are invited to look beyond our own parishes and see the global harvest. By integrating these reflections into our daily routine, we can transform a simple moment of prayer into a powerful act of solidarity with the universal Church.

The Prophecy of Gathering: Ezekiel and the Mission Territory

In today’s first reading from Ezekiel 37:21-28, we hear the Lord’s promise: "I will take the children of Israel from among the nations to which they have come, and gather them from all sides to bring them back to their land." This is the heart of the missionary spirit. Throughout history, the Church has been the instrument through which God gathers His children "from among the nations."

In the context of the Pontifical Mission Societies, this gathering is not a metaphorical concept. It is the literal work of missionaries who travel to remote regions to bring the Gospel to those who have not yet heard it. However, the mission does not end with the first proclamation. For a people to be truly gathered into "one nation," as Ezekiel describes, they need stable, local leadership. They need a "sanctuary in their midst forever."

This is where our passion for the missions meets the specific work of The Society of St. Peter the Apostle. Founded in 1889 by Stephanie and Jeanne Bigard in Caen, France, this society was established with the understanding that for the Church to truly take root in mission lands, it must be led by its own people. When Ezekiel speaks of God dwelling with His people, we see this fulfilled in the local priest who speaks the language of his flock, understands their culture, and remains with them as a permanent sign of God’s presence.

The Gospel Perspective: Unity Through Sacrifice

The Gospel for today (John 11:45-56) offers a striking contrast to the hope of Ezekiel, yet it confirms the same mission. We see the religious leaders of the time plotting against Jesus, fearing that His signs would cause the Romans to "destroy both our land and our nation." It is here that Caiaphas, the high priest, utters a prophecy without realizing its full missionary weight: "It is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish."

The evangelist John clarifies that Jesus was to die not only for the nation, but "to gather into one the dispersed children of God." This is the "Why" behind everything we do at the Pontifical Mission Societies. We are cooperating with Christ’s desire to gather the dispersed.

When you read this Gospel on the USCCB website, I encourage you to think about the "dispersed children" in mission territories today. They are in the mountains of Papua New Guinea, the rural villages of Malawi, and the growing cities of Southeast Asia. To reach them, we need more than just resources; we need holy, well-formed priests who are willing to lay down their lives for their own people, just as Christ did.

Practical Ways to Integrate Daily Readings with Mission Passion

Integrating your daily prayer with a missionary focus doesn't require extra hours in the day. It requires a shift in perspective. Here are a few ways to use the USCCB readings to fuel your support for the missions:

1. The "Missionary Lens" Reflection
When you finish reading the daily Gospel, ask yourself: "How is this message being preached in a mission territory today?" If the reading is about healing, pray for the medical missions. If it is about the Good Shepherd, pray for the seminarians currently studying in mission dioceses.

2. Praying for Local Clergy
The USCCB readings often focus on the roles of the Apostles and the early Church elders. Use these moments to pray specifically for the Society of St. Peter the Apostle. This society supports over 1,000 seminaries in mission lands, helping to form the next generation of local priests. You can learn more about how this support builds sustainable church leadership at https://pontificalmissions.org/who-we-are/the-society-of-st.-peter-the-apostle.

3. Intentional Intercession
Use the Responsorial Psalm as your "missionary mantra" for the day. Today’s Psalm from Jeremiah 31 says: "The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock." Turn this into a petition: "Lord, guard the missionary priests and the seminarians who are preparing to shepherd Your flock in difficult territories."

The Role of The Society of St. Peter the Apostle

It is essential to understand the historical and ongoing importance of the local clergy. In the early days of the missions, many priests were European or American missionaries. While their work was heroic, the goal of the Church has always been "Plantatio Ecclesiae": the planting of the Church. This means that the local community must eventually be served by local clergy.

The Society of St. Peter the Apostle makes this possible by providing:

• Subsidies for Seminarians: Covering the costs of tuition, room, and board for young men in mission countries who have the vocation but lack the financial means.
• Support for Seminaries: Funding the construction and maintenance of buildings where these future priests are formed.
• Formation of Religious Brothers and Sisters: Ensuring that all forms of consecrated life are supported within the local culture.

When we support these efforts, we are fulfilling the prophecy of Ezekiel. We are ensuring that the "sanctuary" of God remains in the midst of the people through the presence of the Eucharist, which only a priest can provide.

A Missionary Reflection for Saturday

As I reflect on today’s scriptures, I am reminded of the many seminarians I have met through my work. They do not have much in terms of worldly goods, but they have a fire for the Gospel that is infectious. They are the "dispersed children" who have been gathered and are now preparing to gather others.

In our digital age, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the noise of social media. We see conflicts, divisions, and a world that seems increasingly scattered. However, the daily readings remind us that God is always at work, gathering His people. My social media presence is dedicated to highlighting these stories of hope: not to draw attention to myself, but to draw attention to the incredible work God is doing through the local clergy in mission lands.

By spending just ten minutes a day with the USCCB readings, you connect yourself to the heartbeat of the Church. You begin to see that your prayer in a quiet room in America is linked to the struggle of a seminarian in a quiet room in Nigeria. We are one body, one nation, under one Shepherd.

Conclusion

Integrating the daily USCCB readings with your passion for the missions is a way to live out your baptismal calling. It transforms "the missions" from a distant concept into a daily relationship. As we continue our journey toward Holy Week, let us ask the Lord to give us the heart of a missionary: a heart that desires to see all the dispersed children of God gathered into one.

I invite you to visit our website to see how you can directly support the formation of these future shepherds. Your contributions to the Society of St. Peter the Apostle are a direct investment in the future of the global Church.

May we always be mindful of the shepherds who guard the flock, and may we do our part to ensure that no community is left without a priest to bring them the Bread of Life.

– Fr. Deji