Why?

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: He called to him the twelve disciples and what did he give them?

Did he give them something material, a nice costly gift or gave them, what may appear to humans, an abstract thing?

“Authority over every unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and infirmity” is what he gave them (cfr. vs. 1)

Why did he have to give them such abstract gifts, was there a need for such a gift?

It cannot be possible, that the Lord gives gifts to his dedicated disciples and there are no beneficiaries for such gifts.

The problem of healing from diseases and infirmities are well seen and understood and yet we may of first choice go to the physician rather than to the Lord who may heal. We could avail of such healing through the sacramental presence in the church. 

When it comes to unclean spirits we may ignore its working and continue to remain in  bondage and even act and work in such manner which could make us open to its working in our lives and in our families.

Many a times we may ignore their working and its ways and how they hold us into all sorts of bondages, both us as individuals and as a family.

God has given us his gifts, his authority and power and the church through the sacramental ministry is supposed to promote these gifts and the ones exercising these gifts are ministers of these gift and should render them more effective by leading a life totally consecrated to the Lord.

Those who expect much from these ministers are supposed to pray for them and seek the Lord in a situation of failure and neglect; for God can raise up even laymen and women to take forward his work in the light of the failure of his people.

                                                                                             

Prayer: Lord, bestow your gifts on your people and send laborers that would faithfully dispense your graces to all in need of your salvation.

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