Called to be His Chosen to Preach
Amos 7:12-15; Eph 1:3-14; Mk 6:7-13 (B 15)
“Open then your ears. Enjoy the fragrance of
eternal life breathed on you” (DO)
Mark’s Gospel tells us
that Jesus sent out the Twelve. These twelve were selected from among Jesus’
disciples and named them apostles. The word apostle means “one who is sent.”
The number twelve is also a symbolic number, representing the twelve tribes of
Israel. By naming twelve apostles, Jesus shows his mission to be in continuity
with the mission of God’s people, Israel.
Jesus continues to send
us into the world as his disciples. But like the first disciples, we are not
sent alone. Jesus has given us the community of the Church, which strengthens
our life of discipleship. The Christian message can only authentically be proclaimed
in and through the community of faith that is the Church. In our work with
others, we build this community of faith and can invite others to share it.
The news that our God the
Father loves us with an infinite love and has brought us to life to make us
happy for all eternity. This news is for everyone. No one should be left out of
the liberating teaching of Jesus, no one is excluded from God’s Love. It is
necessary to reach every corner of the world. We must proclaim the joy of full
and universal salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God made man for us,
who died and rose again and is actively present in the Church.
Why does Jesus tell the
apostles to “travel light” with little or no provision? “Poverty of spirit”
frees us from greed and preoccupation with our possessions and makes ample room
for God’s provision. The Lord wants his disciples to be dependent on him and
not on themselves. He wishes to work in and through each of us for his glory.
Are we ready to use the spiritual authority and power which God wishes you to
exercise on his behalf? The Lord entrusts us with his gifts and talents. Are we
eager to place ourselves at his service, to do whatever he bids us, and to
witness his truth and saving power to whomever he sends us?
The Twelve brought the
message and the mercy of the King all humanity, and that remains the Church’s
task today and every day. They brought the King’s mercy. Not only did they
bring this shattering demand upon men; they brought also help and healing. They
brought liberation to poor, demon-possessed men and women. From the beginning
Christianity has aimed to bring health to body and to soul. It has always aimed
not only at soul salvation, but at whole salvation. It brought not only a hand
to lift from moral wreckage, but a hand to lift from physical pain and
suffering. We have been chosen by God to be prophets.
We are valuable to the Lord. We are worthy in his sight. We are people he has
called to live his Love and to spread his Love. May we be prophets of his
Truth.
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