Authority over You

Today’s Gospel Text:   And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zeb'edee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. 5 These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And preach as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Matt 10:1-7

Reflection: I thought the disciples were already a called people, so why were they  “called to him" again by Jesus?

It’s a mystery which has its answer; the first call was an initial call which is given to each one of us at some point or the other depending on the disposition of our hearts to God and his grace. By responding to that initial call the disciples had given Jesus Christ authority over their lives.

Likewise, each one of us needs to give Jesus, authority over their lives, because “all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to him.” (Mt. 28:18)

Unless we give him that authority, not once, but a constant yes, we cannot be his instrument or disciples.  We need to continue to be his disciples;"If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples.” John 8:31

Only a disciple can be called again and again to be assigned a new responsibility and duty by the master. Only a Dedicated Disciple can be useful for the master for every good work. (cfr. 2 Tim. 2:21) Hence we see in the Gospel text, Jesus calling his Dedicated Disciples to him.

Since these have submitted to his authority, they can now have “authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity.” They have it because it has been given to him by Jesus. 

Many of us prefer to go out in his name and are in the field in his name, but the question always remain; Have we really responded to his call of discipleship, giving him that Authority (Lordship) over our lives? Or, have we taken it upon ourselves to reach out in his name apart from him and his authority?

Prayer:  Lord, you have committed your Son Jesus with authority over us your people, help us to submit to him always.

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us