He Called

Today’s Gospel Text:  And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal. 3 And he said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. 4 And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them." 6 And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. Luke 9:1-6

Reflection: “And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal.” (vs. 1&2)

The church asserts that Bishops and priests as carrying that authority and power and are the ones delegated with the authority of the Apostles.

If such is the case then among these, especially the bishops, who the church claims to have the fullness of the Holy Spirit, should be seen to exercise such power and authority, not over those who exercise this ministry, but over these unclean spirits and conduct the ministry of healing and.deliverance.

 

Why do we not see this happening? Is it because they don’t carry that power and authority by virtue of their ordination?

Though they carry this power and authority, it is rather out of convenience and an absence of that faith in God's power, sometimes on account of depraved indulgence, that it is not exercised.

It is like any layman who has experienced God’s healing and yet may not acknowledge God’s power and healing nor testify to it.

This in no way justifies this contribution to social sin by the failure of the hierarchy to exercise their office as delegates of the Apostles, with power and authority.

Similarly, the aberration has reached such a level that the teaching office is given precedence over the preaching office which the Apostles were mandated with. Likewise, local sentiments and interpretations are used as pressure tactic to subvert the message of the Gospel. 

The whole church needs to pray for a correction, as the Synod of Bishops, meet in Rome from the 2-7 of October, 2012 and not be casual enough to attribute every omission to the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord, show you mercy to your people and raise in every corner of the world Apostles who will cater to people waiting to hear the saving message of the Gospel and find healing for their soul.

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

Accept the Prophetic Word

Scripture/Bible:  And he said, "Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his own country. 25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Eli'jah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land; 26 and Eli'jah was sent to none of them but only to Zar'ephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Eli'sha; and none of them was cleansed, but only Na'aman the Syrian." 28 When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and put him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw him down headlong. 30 But passing through the midst of them he went away. Luke 4:24-30

Reflection:  Every family they say has a black sheep and if there is one in your family, then remember that no black sheep is acceptable in his or own house.

A black sheep works contrary to family values and is usually considered a rebel, because they think differently and shakes the applecart.  Not necessary that the family values are sound and the black sheep who acts different may also work contrary as per his value system. 

Two people opposing each other do not make the one right and the other wrong. One could be little more correct than the other or they both could be wrong and usually it is so.

If both parties could be wrong then why is there opposition to the black sheep or the prophet? The only problem is that the majority is up in arms against a minority.  

Human nature seeks to create a comfort culture around them; the culture we create, the morals we teach the etiquettes we encourage, the education we imbibe are largely aimed at creating a comfort and security around us.  Some even seek to create an uniformity to administer and to suit their ambitions. They may not always be right but the message is loud and clear: do not shake the apple cart!

The black sheep or a rebel of society may not be right in their ways but a true prophet of God, speaking on behalf and the mind of God can shake the very foundations of our comfort zones and securities and can bring about momentary unrest and disturbances because he speaks the voice of God.

The truth is the voice of God! He is on target with his mission to reconcile men to a God who alone can be their permanent security and peace.  He believes that each one can enjoy a certain freedom and find true happiness and meaning in life in the God who revealed himself in Christ Jesus.

Maybe those who allow the prophetic word of scripture to speak to them in the power of the Holy Spirit or allow the Lord a place in their lives will find that peace too.  

Prayer:  Speak Lord your servant desires to listen and be transformed by the renewal of his mind.

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