Gospel Reading – Matthew 10: 7-15
Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: “As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for labourers deserve their food.
Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgement than for that town.
The Gospel of the Lord
The Mass intention: Thanksgiving
Reflection:
Jesus sends his apostles to preach the Good News. I ask myself whether I and the other Christians I know are really preachers of good news to those who hear them, or preachers of something else? Of a moral code perhaps, or of a radical criticism of the present situation of the world. Has my reaction to the pandemic been that of a bearer of good news? Is Jesus’ message good news for me? Only then will I be able to transmit it as good news to others.
Yet, Jesus is also aware of the opposition his message can arouse in others, and prepares his disciples for the possibility of refusal. It is not always easy to be a Christian, and I ask for a strong faith in Jesus and his protection, so that I can deal with opposition in a Christ-like manner.
- What feelings does Jesus message stir up in me and how do I deal with them?