The document discusses how the understanding of Christian mission has changed over time. Originally, mission involved Europeans and Americans evangelizing and financially supporting the salvation of pagan souls abroad. However, after Vatican II, mission was redefined as developing reciprocal relationships to proclaim, serve, and witness God's reign of love, justice, and salvation to all people everywhere, as God is present in all cultures and religions. The document uses the image of sharing food at a table to represent mission as nourishing people physically and spiritually in community through God's word in the Eucharist and caring for the whole person and communities.

1. THE CHANGING UNDERSTANDING OF MISSION From Ransoming Pagan Babies to Mission on Every Continent