Wednesday, September 23, 2020 - 25th week of Ordinary Time - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 9, 1-6 - The reign of God is at hand. Convert and believe in the Gospel.
These men, whom Jesus called apostles or disciples, were men of little learning; but he gave them power and authority to overcome demons, to heal the sick, and to preach the Gospel of the reign of God. This mission that Jesus entrusted to the disciples is the same mission that the Father entrusted to him: to preach the Word of God and heal the sick for the salvation of men. This means that he cooperates with humans. The proclamation of the Kingdom of God is accompanied by signs, such as the casting out of demons and the healing of the sick: it is the expression of the coming of the Kingdom of God on earth that takes root in the hearts of men. When all evil has been eliminated, God will have a place in people's lives. Those whom Jesus sends can do His work, even if they are ordinary people such as fishermen, tax collectors... because they have received the power of God in them to be victorious so that the kingdom of God may be spread everywhere.
Jesus' words are also disturbing in terms of taking nothing away from their mission. This indicates that Jesus is going before them, preparing them to be received with a heart and soul ready to receive salvation wherever they go. Thus, the disciples are confident in proclaiming the Gospel, whether in word or deed. However, failure is always possible, so there may be places that are not ready to receive salvation. This is not the fault of the disciples. Jesus' words are clear on this subject: "Shake off the dust from your feet: it will be a testimony against them", that is, salvation has been offered to them, God has given them His grace, but they themselves are not ready to accept it. There will always be those who deny salvation. It may be someone close to us: a family member, a colleague, a neighbor. It is a form of failure in the effort to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom of God.
The church has thus become, through those it sends, a sign of the world's salvation. We who are baptized are sent around us to bear witness to the Christian life, a life always full of joy that will convince others that this life is perfect, the one proposed by the Gospel. Amen.
