The rejection of Jesus by those in his hometown did not slow down his ministerial goals. We can imagine that Jesus knew what he was going to do already, but en route, wanted to stop by to see if any from his “native land” would like to participate in his public outreach. Apparently no one did, so without missing a beat, Jesus went ahead and “summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits” (Mk 6:7). We are summoned and sent out as well.
At the end of each Mass, we as Catholics are sent, just as the Apostles, to proclaim the good news! All of us as the Body of Christ, believers in Jesus the Christ, the baptized, are to live as his disciples and be witnesses to him in all aspects of our lives. This is best done by acknowledging that God is the center of our lives and recognizing, empowering, and standing up for the dignity of each person that we have the blessing to encounter. This is to be foundational in the way we think, look, feel, and act toward another. Beyond this our call of evangelization is unique, for we each have a particular charism and gifts that the Holy Spirit provides.
Jesus is the one who calls us, sends us, and empowers us. We become divinized, become God when we say yes to his will and participate in his life of service. Jesus not only teaches with authority, he calls and sends us with that same authority – exousia in Greek, meaning coming out of or from his own divine substance as Son of God. We are to rely on the divine providence of our Father, meaning he will provide that which we need to accomplish the task he has given us, and he will also send the Holy Spirit and others to provide help, aid, guidance and support. We see this over and over again in the lives of the saints.
At first sight we may not agree with God’s choosing, his choosing us or the others he sends to help us! Yet, we only need to recall what he accomplished with the Apostles, remembering the simple beginnings they came from and the wonders they accomplished in Jesus’ name. We also need to remember that God sees not as we do, for we are often misled by appearances “or lofty stature” but God sees the heart and character of the person (cf 1 Samuel 16:7). Let us be about building up the reign of God, being willing to be empowered by Jesus and those he brings into our lives, as well as empowering others. May we pray and be open to what God is calling us to do to serve him, to be willing to encounter others and will their good without seeking anything in return.
Photo: With Dr. Antonio Lopez, he has empowered me time again with his wisdom, compassion, and faithful witness!
Link for Mass readings for Thursday, February 1, 2018:
Spiritual Stepping Stones