While our ministry is different in many ways from that of the Apostles, we too are sent as His representatives and any power we have is power that He works through us. –Fr. Oscar Mendez, OFM.
Today’s first reading and Gospel are about being sent by God to bring good tidings, but for some people, they are challenging tidings. In the first reading, we hear Amos’ calling, and how he is not accepted as a prophet by Amaziah, priest of Bethel, and orders Amos to leave the city. He was accused of conspiring against King Jeroboam, and how Amos was just responding to God’s call.
In the Gospel, we hear how Jesus sent the Twelve and the authority they received. They were commissioned for a special and specific mission. We know that all Christians have been given a commission from God. We are commissioned to go and proclaim the Gospel and to call people to repent and trust in Jesus. They are sent representing Him and accompanied with signs to authenticate them as His messengers. While our ministry is different in many ways from that of the Apostles, we too are sent as His representatives and any power we have is power that He works through us.
One thing to notice is that the twelve are sent out fully dependent on the provision of God. They are sent with minimal supplies and without any means for acquiring supplies apart from the generosity and hospitality of others. In this Jesus is teaching the Twelve to live in whole and complete dependency on God. The Bible has a lot to say about wise planning and we aren’t all called to live with only the bare essentials. But we should trust fully in the ability of God to provide. God can be trusted and when God calls us to serve Him He always provides what we need. Jesus also prepared His disciples for the reality that there will be those who don’t believe, and the hostility they would encounter toward both the message and the messengers.
As followers of Jesus we have been called to faithfully share the message of the Gospel, but we must know that it won’t always be well received. At times people will not accept us or the message of Jesus that we proclaim and we must be prepared for this rejection. As we consider the call to faithfully share the message of Jesus we must be obedient. We go, not in our own power, but in His; knowing that God will provide. While not all will believe we can trust that God is accomplishing His plan in the world. We should be thankful for the faithfulness of the Apostles and likewise strive to be faithful in our generation.
I would like to welcome back all those rejoining us at Mass now that the pandemic restrictions have been lifted! We are very happy and grateful to have all of you at Masses and that our situation is such, to allow for a safe return. Let us continue to pray for the areas still most affected by the pandemic and for all those suffering after-effects.
Also, I am happy to announce that our St. Francis Hall is nearly completed! It has been a long process with many delays, due to the pandemic and many related reasons; but we are finally nearly there! We look forward to inviting you to a grand reopening soon. More information will be forthcoming.
Peace and Good,
Fr. Oscar Mendez, OFM
Pastor, Mission San Luis Rey Parish
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