Today we listen to Matthew’s version of the first sending-out of the disciples. It is the same story we heard last Sunday from Luke.
Being sent out to proclaim the Good News is at the heart of what the Church is. Proclaiming our faith experience is the reason for being of the Church. Jesus sends them out on a mission early-on in their time with him. They have no formal training in communication skills, doctrine, catechesis, nor diplomacy. They have no action plans, mission statements, nor maps.
Jesus’ brief instructions constitute a sort of nucleus of the “what, how and why” for us as Church. He sends them out with no money, sandals, extra clothes, no provisions, no suitcases or packs, nor walking stick. They are to be focused on their task on the road along the way and once they get to their destination: no stopping along the way, no switching of houses, no looking for better food or beds. This poverty makes them itinerant, and mobile. Following Jesus’ indications, they are practically forced to live in humility and within the providence of God. Their form of life becomes a sign of their message.
The message he gives them is very simple and direct: peace and the kingdom heaven is at hand. Their lifestyle of complete confidence in God’s providence, living in peace with all, and the curing of the sick show that the kingdom of God is breaking into existence. Generally speaking, most people believe that the kingdom of heaven is a possibility – a possibility at some time in the future. It is a reality that does not affect our current life. It is something unseen, something not experienced. Those first disciples who were sent out two by two were signs of new life.
The mission of those first disciples who were sent out and our mission today as Church is to show the reality of the kingdom of heaven in our everyday life with family, friends, and co-workers. All baptized Christians are missionaries sent out to be signs of God’s kingdom.
As you go, make this proclamation:
‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
Cure the sick, raise the dead,
cleanse the lepers, drive out demons.
Image: https://www.pottypadre.com/tag/matthew-107-15/