THURSDAY OCTOBER 3, 2024
THURSDAY OF THE TWENTY SIXTH WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME B
ST THERESA OF THE CHILD JESUS V.D. (MEMORIAL)
Job19:21-27
Luke 10:1-12
CHRISTIANS ARE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST ON MISSION
Do we ever realize that as Christians we are disciples of Jesus on Mission? The mission of Christ is not only assigned to the cleric and the religious groups in the church. By baptism, confirmation and in every Eucharistic celebration we are being reminded and actually send as disciples on mission. The seventy two persons in today’s gospel is an indication that the mission of Christ is for all baptized and all believers and not just the twelve apostles.
Being disciples on mission therefore, we must also know what the message is. What is the content of the message that we are carrying. Jesus instructs us to live and speak, proclaiming that the kingdom of God is near. The reign of Christ has come. The power of Christ to rule the world is great and it has taken root. So begin to effect these powers of Christ in the mission, by healing the sick in the world.
Sickness symbolizes those estranged from the authority of Christ. Those living in sin and outside the grace of God. Those who are relying on themselves and not on God. Those who are still living in ignorance and unhappiness. These are those to be administered healing and comfort.
But Jesus also warns us on the dangers of this missionary endeavor. For a disciple on mission is plagued and attacked by wolves. And he means that the missionary of Christians is one that is plagued by some distractions also, not only by wolves. The wolves by the way is the persecutions from leaders of the people and the religious leaders of their time, especially the scribes and the Pharisees.
Other forms or factors that plague against the mission of the disciples of Christ are materialism, lure and attraction of the material world, and the enticement of wealth. So missionaries are instructed to carry no haversack, no spare sandals, no purses, and to never be distracted by people or events or situations but to be focused.
Yet missionaries have the luxury of eating whatever is set before them and staying wherever is offered them and even accepting what is offered them as gifts. But we must be particularly sensitive and differentiate between the basic necessities of life from the luxury of acquisition.
The mission is urgent and very prompt. There is no need to waste time or become despondent. Rather when one is not accepted in one town, the missionary moves on to another town. For the missions are veritable ways of calling back those straying and establishing the kingdom of God in our land.
The basic reason to be active in missionary endeavour and invest our time, energy and resources to it arises from convinced mind and for those who holds, acknowledges and professes that our God lives as Job hold and professes saying “I know that my Redeemer lives.”
Heavenly Father, you sent us into the world to proclaim your name and build up your kingdom. Give us greater zeal and stronger faith to be true disciples of your son. Shield us from the consuming forces and from wolves in our world and mission. Protect us from the lure and attraction of the material world. Give us wisdom to work for your kingdom, serve your majesty and build our eternity and to attain it through Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
