The Gospel according to Matthew (10:7-15)
Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”
Reflection:
As a young boy I remember when we would plan a day at the beach, and I could think of nothing else than playing in the water and looking forward to a day of complete joy. I wouldn’t sleep much and could hardly wait for the morning. Sometimes I would sleep with my swimming shorts on. I also remember how sad I would get when I would start to hear my mom say it was time to go home. I would sulk on the way home. As an adult, I realize how much fun I had on such outings but now understand that home is where I was most happy. I had my mom, dad, siblings and my grandpa Miguel. Everything else along with my family, the good and bad was part of my heaven here on earth.
When Jesus sent his apostles to tend to the needs of many, he told them to make a very specific proclamation, “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” How could heaven be at hand if there was so much physical, emotional, and spiritual illness? The apostles were not able to cure and cleanse everyone. They did not drive out all the demons. Jesus even told them that there might be some who would not welcome them and their works and message. Would this campaign not be considered a failure if it were not 100% successful?
If that is the case, then what are we doing. There are still many who are sick, demonized, unclean. Will we ever catch up? That is not a question we can answer nor a solution for us to figure out. Like the apostles, we are to go out and share what we have been given. We must travel light, without the burden of attachment or dependence on material things. God provides! We do not measure success by numbers or results. We proclaim a Kingdom that exists in our hearts and made manifest in the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We work, invite, love, include, forgive all without counting the cost. God will provide! The Kingdom is already here. All we have to do is live in such a way that others will see, know, and wonder. The rest is up to them. God provides!
Action of the Day:
When was the last time you went out to share the good news that the Kingdom of God is at hand? You may not have to go far. Maybe there is a corner of your home or someone’s heart that could use some good news. You don’t have to have a speech or quote scripture. You be you and let them be them. Just be present and God will provide.
Audio Reflection:
DEACON5 