In commissioning the apostles in today's
Gospel, Jesus gives them, and us, a preview of His Church's mission after the
resurrection.
His instructions to the Twelve echo those
of God to the twelve tribes of Israel on the eve of their exodus from Egypt.
The Israelites likewise were sent out with no bread and only one set of
clothes, wearing sandals and carrying a staff (seeExodus 12:11; Deuteronomy 8:2-4). Like the Israelites,
the apostles are to rely solely on the providence of God and His grace.
Perhaps, also, Mark wants us to see the
apostles' mission, the mission of the Church, as that of leading a new exodus -
delivering peoples from their exile from God and bringing them to the promised
land, the kingdom of heaven.
Like Amos in today's First Reading, the
apostles are not "professionals," who earn their bread by
prophesying. Like Amos, they are simply men (see Acts 14:15) summoned from their
ordinary jobs and sent by God to be shepherds of their brothers and sisters.
Again this week, we hear the theme of
rejection: Amos experiences it, and Jesus warns the apostles that some will not
welcome or listen to them. The Church is called, not necessarily to be
successful, but only to be faithful to God's command.
With authority and power given to it by
Jesus, the Church proclaims God's peace and salvation to those who believe in
Him, as we sing in today's Psalm.
This word of truth, this gospel of
salvation, is addressed to each of us, personally, as Paul proclaims in today's
Epistle. In the mystery of God's will, we have been chosen from before the
foundation of the world - to be His sons and daughters, to live for the praise
of His glory.
Let us, then, give thanks for the Church
today, and for the spiritual blessings He has bestowed upon us. Let us resolve
to further the Church's mission - to help others hear the call to repentance
and welcome Christ into their lives.
Yours in Christ,
Scott Hahn, Ph.D.
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