Breaking the Word

14^th Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 13^th July 2023 — Gospel: Mt 10,7-15

To Give Freely

Like the Sermon on the Mount, this Sermon to the Apostles is Matthew’s collection of sayings of Jesus under the theme of mission. Historically it is directed to Jesus’ original apostles, but it is also aimed at the Church addressed by Matthew, the gospel writer. This open-ended relevance of the sermon extends its importance to the Church in every age, offering practical guidelines for the mission. Jesus tells the disciples not to make extensive preparations for their journey, bringing no additional money or clothing. These are distractions to serve God in truth and in spirit. Their needs will be met by the support of those who hear and receive their message. Such a life of simplicity would enhance their credibility and authenticity. This sermon reminds disciples of Jesus in every age that their ultimate resource is his presence with them and not their own provisions. Agents of Jesus live simply, depending God’s providence and embodying Jesus’ presence. Like Jesus, their reception by others will be mixed. They will be rejected and even persecuted by some; by others they will be received and welcomed. However, they must do their work, not for what they can get out of it, but for what they can give freely to others.

14^th Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 12^th July 2023 — Gospel: Mt 10,1-7

Ministry of the Word and Deed

This section begins with Jesus summoning the twelve together for the mission. These correspond to the twelve tribes of Israel who are scattered and deprived of faithful leadership. Only here in the gospel are these twelve called “apostles”, i.e., those who are sent, rather than “disciples”, i.e., those who follow. These apostles become the foundational leaders of the early Church, forming the bridge between the earthly ministry of Jesus and the mission of the post-resurrection Church. The twelve are ordered in six pairs with Peter designated as first and Judas Iscariot listed as last. Their leadership is framed with instructions that are twofold: the ministry of the word demonstrated by the ministry of deed. In the ministry of the word, they must proclaim the message that Jesus announced: “The kingdom of heaven has come near” (10,7). In the ministry of the deed, they must do the deeds that Jesus performed: “Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons” (10,8). The apostles are called to bear witness to Jesus as authentic leaders of the word and deed.