Greetings on this the Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Genesis 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5; Psalm 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21; Matthew 10:7-15
Summary
…[before you start] look for a worthy person… (MT 10:11, 7-8). Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.
Reflection
The disciples were sent out by Jesus to proclaim the Good News and to heal the many miseries of the people. He added to find a worthy person to help you before you go about sharing your gifts. A person committed to the wellbeing of his community. A person who defines his own life beyond his own needs.
Pacem in Terris, 166, Collaborators!
- Our concern here has been with problems which are causing men extreme anxiety at the present time; problems which are intimately bound up with the progress of human society. Unquestionably, the teaching We have given has been inspired by a longing which We feel most keenly, and which We know is shared by all men of good will: that peace may be assured on earth.
Nostra Aetate, 5, Collaborators!
- We cannot truly call on God, the Father of all, if we refuse to treat in a brotherly way any man, created as he is in the image of God. Man’s relation to God the Father and his relation to men his brothers are so linked together that Scripture says: “He who does not love does not know God” (1 John 4:8).
Gaudium Et Spes, 22, 57, Collaborators!
22. All this holds true not only for Christians, but for all men of good will in whose hearts grace works in an unseen way.(31) 57. Furthermore, when man gives himself to the various disciplines of philosophy, history and of mathematical and natural science, and when he cultivates the arts, he can do very much to elevate the human family to a more sublime understanding of truth, goodness, and beauty, and to the formation of considered opinions which have universal value. Thus mankind may be more clearly enlightened by that marvelous Wisdom which was with God from all eternity, composing all things with him, rejoicing in the earth, delighting in the sons of men.(4)
Personal Reflection
I would do well to identify and collaborate with people of Good Will. Those who allow my Christian faith to be unbruised by ego and rather find moments, places and parts/pieces where we can collaborate for the good of the human family. Jesus makes clear we do not act with autonomy! We act in collaboration with worthy people. Worthy not by my standards, but the Lord’s. All men of good will – who wish to see peace, curing and raising up and ensure freedom from evils.
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071025.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry