Third Mark of Mission

A little while back I shared a reflection on the Five Marks of Mission and how we live into these marks at the Cathedral. I followed with a piece on the Second Mark and now I’d like to continue that reflection by looking at the Third Mark of Mission. 

The Five Marks of Mission are: 

1. To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom.

2. To teach, baptize 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 Third Mark of Mission of the Anglican Communion is all about responding to human need through loving service. In essence, it is about embodying compassion and empathy towards our fellow human beings. This mark emphasizes the importance of reaching out to those in our communities and beyond who are in need of support, care, and justice.

By demonstrating a commitment to meeting human needs, the Anglican Communion aims to create a world where everyone has access to the essentials of life, such as food, shelter, healthcare, education, and social justice. It encourages its members to actively engage in acts of service, whether it is through volunteering, advocacy, or supporting charitable organizations.

This mark reminds us of the value of human connection and the power of working together to alleviate suffering and build a more just society. By responding to human needs with love and service, we not only uplift and empower those in need but also foster a sense of compassion and mutual support within our communities.

In a world facing various social, economic, and environmental challenges, the Third Mark of Mission calls on us to proactively respond to human need. By combining our resources, skills, and heart, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of others and create a more compassionate and equitable world for all.

At the Cathedral, many of the things we do can be seen as living into this mark: the Maundy Cafe, our offering of pastoral support to the British Columbia Regiment and Seaforth Highlanders, offering pastoral care to those who come into the Cathedral on weekdays. To the larger community, we provide care to those who come here for funerals and weddings. We also offer loving service through the St Brigid’s community. These things also answer some of the previous marks of mission I shared earlier. 

How would you characterize some ways that we live out the Third Mark of Mission both individually and corporately? When you read about this Third Mark of Mission, what types of activities do you see as responses to this call?