The Gospel According to Matthew 10:1-7Jesus 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.’”
Reflection: Jesus’ choice of the twelve, this eclectic bunch who are seemingly poor suited for the task. Well, we know that none of this happened by coincidence, Luke’s Gospel notes that their call was the direct result of Jesus’ prayer. With Christ as their center, they were empowered with the ability to battle evil and heal, as a visible witness to the unbelieving world around them. God did not see simply their limitations but their unlimited potential if they choose to respond to His voice. Yet, the call of the twelve is our call too. For each of us, as disciples, having heard the Good News is also given the responsibility to actively witness the Gospel in our lives this very day. Do you feel you lack the gifts or talents necessary for the task? Not to worry, there isn’t a commission given or a challenge encountered that He will not equip us with the right tools if it is His will. For this reason, our daily discernment of just how we are being asked to respond to God’s call can only be begun through our prayerful desire to know that will. Still God does not leave us all alone in recognizing how we are being called to serve, but also gives us one another. One of my greatest joys, as a Deacon, is walking with those called to the RCIA process of becoming fully initiated into our faith. To watch someone, discover the unique gifts that each person has to offer. Then, being graced with the time and ability to see Christ at work strengthening, guiding and blessing each in their response to His call. God is never outdone in generosity, and what you offer to him today he will expand and multiply in ways you can never imagine.
Action of the Day: Ask yourself, are you unable to recognize your own gifts or talents and is this holding you back from fully responding to Christ’s call in your life?
