THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS CLOSE AT HAND, BELIEVE THE GOOD NEWS(Ezra 9:5-9/Tobit 13:1-6,8/Luke 9:1-6)

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS CLOSE AT HAND, BELIEVE THE GOOD NEWS

(WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2019)

In the first reading, there is a sense of powerlessness and guilt yet by the gospel, we read of being filled with power as the disciples are empowered to go forth and heal the world. Trusting in Christ is like moving away from guilt, fear and powerlessness to having the strength to face anything.
The first reading speaks of wretchedness and shame while seeking the mercy of the Lord. There is such fear evident in the reading, the fear that we so frequently carry through our lives. Are we worthy? Have we done enough? Do we have enough? We so often focus on what we cannot do or did wrong. Whether at work or with family, fear is often times the background emotion. It has been said that fear is the opposite of love. It may lead us to actions that we later regret or prevent us from actions that we should take. Yet, mercy and love are always evident in our relationship with God. As this reading ends, we are given a new life.

Symbolic of what we can have if we let go of the fear and replace it with love.
Our responses in the psalm is that of the praises of God, Blessed be God, who lives forever. When we focus on God and the gifts are so generously given to us, we can’t keep the fear. It has been said that God and fear cannot occupy the same space. So, it becomes a choice for us to replace the fear with God. The responses echo as we celebrate days of gladness.
The gospel reminds us of the power that we all have as a result of Christ’s death for us. We need nothing more than that belief for the journey, this journey of life. The material things are there to serve us, not for us to serve them. We are empowered to make a difference in this world, not by what we have or own, rather by replacing fear with love and helping those around us.

The authority Luke speaks of is the authority of relationship. Jesus gave His apostles the authority, to “cure diseases… proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” Jesus offered nothing beyond themselves; who they were in relationship to Him. He offered them no healing herbs, no potions, no medical skills, no additional anything. He sent them off with “… nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, no second tunic.” But neither did Jesus say anything about expectations or results. In fact, He says, “…as for those who don’t welcome you, shake the dust from your feet.” He does not say to stick around, try and try again, or be persistent. He says keep going, keep moving on, stay faithful to the mission and the journey. It is not about the quality of the hospitality offered, rather it is about faithfulness to Jesus Himself.

Staying faithful to the relationship.
This is not about the ‘what’ and the ‘where’ of the sending. It is not about success or failure. It is about the relationship and the journey itself. It is about being sent – again and again within whatever our vocation is at the time. It is about living out of the relationship. It is about having the freedom to go in spite of uncertainties. It is about freedom from success or failure, people, places, and fears. It is about journey and mission, freedom, response and responsibility. It is about inner movement, inner change, as well as physical relocation. It is about the relationship between us and Jesus, I and others. It is about trusting who I am in the heart of God and that what I have been given is enough for the journey. It is always about relationship. As followers of Christ, part of our mission here on earth is to share the good news and point people to God.

Let Us Pray: Lord Jesus, give us the grace to always be ready to proclaim the Good News and may souls be saved through our ministration. Amen.