Arulvakku

06.07.2022 — Do not Go … but Go…

14th Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 6th July 2022 — Gospel: Mt 10,1-7

Do not Go …but Go…

Jesus chose the twelve apostles and empowered them with healing and preaching abilities. He shared with them the authority to proclaim the Good News with others. He seemed to have a very specific plan for the apostles’ mission. At the beginning of their ministry, Jesus told them where to go and not to go. They were first sent to their own people, the people of Israel. For the disciples, “lost sheep of Israel” meant, to go first to those who are closest, to their families, friends and neighbours. The statement of Jesus to “go nowhere among the Gentiles” (10,5b) might seem harsh. But historically they were pagans, who worshiped false gods and Samaritans, who differed with the Jews on a number of religious issues. However, it must be kept in mind that the disciples were reluctant to go to non-Jews even after the resurrection. And it took considerable time for the early Church to realize that it had a universal mission. As baptized members of Christ’s mystical body, we all have a realm in which we evangelize. We must discern through prayer where “to go and not to go,” to fulfill our particular vocation as missionary disciples in the world. If Jesus strategized in order to bring about the most efficacious plan for establishing his kingdom, should we not also be wise and prudent disciples?