Wednesday July 12, 2023

Matthew 10:1-7

There is an agreement among the gospel writers that Jesus sent out his disciples long before his death and resurrection. I mean like way before they understood the subject matter or got a degree. Today he sends the 12 specifically to the house of Israel with the mandate to drive out demons and announce a new era- the kingdom of God. No books on how to do it, no private jets, hake no church building. Go and announce things are different now.

I want to imagine my mother and father among those sent. How did they drive out the demons? Well. There may have been some private prayer to drive the demons out of me but I know there was discipline. Mama used anything including throwing a teapot at the children. There was name calling here and there and some ear pulling until we were beat into shape. Announce the kingdom of God is here means letting you know that there is a new king in charge. You are not the captain. So if any challenge or person is trying to boss you around, they need to know that they are not your god.

I love the way this kingdom has grown. Above all I love the words of St Francis modified here “Build the kingdom and only when it is necessary use words”.