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A little while back I shared a reflection on the Five Marks of Mission and started looking at how we are living into these marks at the Cathedral. I’d like to continue that reflection looking at the second mark of mission. 


First a quick refresher. The five marks of mission are: 

1.To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom.

2.To teach, baptise and nurture new believers.

3.To respond to human need by loving service.

4.To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation.

5.To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth.


The second Mark of Mission flows directly from Matthew 28:19, Jesus’ “Great Commission” which says “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” The second Mark of Mission naturally follows the First which is also rooted in this passage and in John 20:21 and exhorts us to be the bearers of the good news to the world. Once we’ve proclaimed the good news, the Second Mark leads us in developing and deepening our faith and that of those with whom we've shared the Good News.

In the Second Mark of Mission, we are asked to mirror Jesus’ manner of forming his disciples in our own contexts.  To be clear, the Second Mark of Mission is not about making converts but making disciples, “fishers of people.” It is an intentional process and seeks to transform lives by helping people to encounter Jesus, understand his life and thus see the world from a new perspective. This is not, however, an academic process where we teach ecclesiology, patristics and theologies. Jesus doesn't say teach the new disciples everything I have commanded you. Instead, he says to teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.  It is more about being, not thinking and it is an intentional process. It's an “ongoing journey of learning and living the way of Jesus in community for personal, communal and cultural transformation.”

One way the Anglican Communion has approached this since 2016 is through what they call Living and Sharing a Jesus-Shaped Life. In terms of the Second Mark of Mission: teach, baptize and nurture new believers, this would mean reading scripture daily, praying daily and gathering regularly with others to worship, pray, share and learn.

Here is more information on living a Jesus-Shaped Life.

At the Cathedral we live into this mark by offering opportunities for people to first, meet Jesus and then having met him, we offer and encourage people to let that relationship shape what they do in the world. 

Because scripture tells us that God is not just found in the roaring wind or the flame, but also in the gentle whisper, we offer many opportunities to hear that whisper.

  • The Cathedral is open on weekdays for personal quiet prayer or reflection.
  • On Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm, we hold an hour of contemplative prayer - which takes a different form each week.
  • Eucharist services are held at the Cathedral every weekday at 12:15 pm.
  • On Wednesdays, priests are available to offer the Rite of Reconciliation (confession) where one can experience God’s love through that Rite.
  • Four times a year we bring out our labyrinth - an ancient prayer tool - so that anyone may come and experience the stillness that comes from sitting in God’s presence. 

When one is ready to put their faith into action, we offer ways to utilize the things God has whispered into their heart. At The Maundy Cafe, one can be as Christ present to others at a shared table. As part of the team of Narthex Greeters, one can be available to welcome all who seek peace in this space, being available for conversation with all who come through our doors. The Thursday morning 7:30 am Eucharist can be a special place to centre oneself in Christ and the hospitality of a simple shared meal before heading out into the world to go about one’s day-to-day duties. 

As we head into a new programming year we continue to be attentive to the ways we can help all who come through our doors meet Christ and leave here moulding their lives to his. 

Where do you find Christ? What helps you make your life “Jesus-Shaped?” How else do you see this community as being a place where people meet the risen Christ?