The Gospel According to Matthew 10:1-7
Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.’”
Refection: My wife, Tricia, and I have been very fortunate and blessed to have survived thepast 3 years of Covid without being infected. We have been vaccinated as we have been told by those who know best on how to survive. That is until 2 weeks ago. Two weeks ago, I became very ill at work and had to leave. I have a very strong immune system and it is rare that I ever miss work let alone get sick. God has blessed me in that respect. God has enabled me to continue to serve Him and his people as He calls each one of us. But for now, the two of us are secluded and dealing with the symptoms millions of people all over the world have suffered and, in many cases, have lost their lives to.
Today, Jesus gives us the authority as he did with each of the original twelve, to drive out unclean spirits and to cure every disease and every illness. Through the power of our Baptism, Priest, Prophet, and King, we must not be afraid to help those who are in need. Those who are sick whether it is physical, mental, or spiritual, they need our help to overcome these adversities of their being. Jesus tells His disciples that the Kingdom of Heaven- is at hand. It is right here, right now! Eternity does not start when we leave this life, it has already begun. Jesus wants to be with us every step of the way. Let Him in!
Action of the Day: Help us each day to stand for love, for healing, for the good, for the diverse unity of the Body of Christ, and all creation, because we know this is what You desire: as Jesus prayed, that all may be one. (Richard Rohr)
Audio Reflection:
DEACON5 