The readings today require us to trust fully in the Divine Power of God to give us everything we need. That should be pretty easy, shouldn't it? God, in His Almighty Power, created everything. We, His creatures, cannot. God, whose Power sent His only Son out of love for us, shows us the magnitude of that love by laying His life down for ours, saving us from eternal separation from that Infinite Love. We, His creatures, cannot get through a single day without ruffling someone's feathers or getting irritated by another's foibles.
We are a pretty sorry lot, when you think about it aren't we? Why then, would God, in His Infinite Wisdom, depend on us to carry on His Church? Because He trusts us! When you think about it, that is pretty amazing.
In Mark's Gospel, Jesus assembles the Apostles and sends them out two by two. He tells them to take nothing with them save the clothes on their back and the sandals on their feet. That is the equivalent today of telling us we can't take anything on the road for this task. This means no cell phones, laptops, (or any other electronic devices), extra outfits (just in case the weather turns or we want to go out for a night on the town), or snacks and beverages to keep us fueled. What was Jesus thinking?
Not to mention the fact that Jesus was sending them out among wolves (Mt 10:16-23), knew they would be called names (Mt 16:24-33), and that people most likely reject them and their message (Mt 10:7-15). Who, in their right mind, would sign up for this gig? The great saint Teresa of Avila noted in reference to doing the Will of God that, "If this is the way you treat your friends, it is no wonder you have so few!"
The pearl of great price, however, is the Heavenly Kingdom and eternal life with God. The Apostles knew this. So did all those who were transformed by the Power of the Gospel Message. But we still have to ask ourselves, why would Jesus send these men out into a world that He knew would reject, persecute, and even kill them, all in His Name? Isn't that a bit unfair?
Not really. Jesus knows us. In our human state, we want everything handed to us--but isn't it all the sweeter when we have to struggle for something? We are a stubborn lot and in order for us to change, Jesus knew things couldn't be easy. Our own will had to be broken in order for us to turn, humbly and with open hearts and hands, to Him. Only then would we listen and obey. If anyone has ever parented with a toddler through the 'terrible twos', you know what I am talking about!
There are three things I think Jesus was asking of us when He sent the Twelve forth with so little. First, He wanted the Twelve to trust in Him. The fact is, we cannot do anything without God. We cannot create, we cannot save ourselves. God will take care of us. He also created us in His image and likeness. If God can trust us to carry out the task of evangelization, despite our faults and sins, then should we be able to trust in Him who is perfect? This also requires us to trust others. Those who are filled with the love of Christ will be transformed by, through, and into the Love, Mercy, Compassion, and Forgiveness of God. They will receive, welcome, support, and tend to us on the journey.
Second, His desire was for all to be saved--not just a chosen few. Now, being God, He could have waved a wand at the Cross and for all time released us from sin and death--no response from us required--but He didn't. Instead, He gave us hope that through Life in Him, our faith would transform us. This would allow us to grow, leading down the path of virtue and holiness that truly saves. It is only when our eyes are opened, our hearts be softened, and our minds are willing to allow God's will to form us that we may be one with Him. Once we have "seen the light," the Spirit fills us with the words to bend the stiff necks and soften the hard hearts. We love differently and see our brothers and sisters differently. This new vision of relationship is inviting and will draw others to Him. This leads to my third point.
Jesus gives us everything we need to proclaim the Gospel Message with an ardor, zeal, and conviction that will call others to conversion. How? Through the Power of the Holy Spirit--His breath and spirit of Love that flows between Father and Son and all who believe. We are animated by the very Spirit breathed out by Christ on the Cross and delivered to those gathered on Pentecost. We receive this same Spirit in baptism. When Christ lives in us, others 'see' Him, too and come to know, love, and serve Him.
Is sharing the Gospel easy? No--in fact it takes great love and a thick skin to do so--but those that do experience a joy and energy that is indescribable. This powers us onward. The urgency of the message also propels us forward as we see the world suffering and know that Christ is the answer to their pain, captivity, and anguish.
I want to end this reflection with one of my favorite prayers--the prayer of St. Teresa of Avila. She is an inspiration to all who evangelize for she suffered greatly in her efforts to proclaim the Gospel and reform the Carmelite Order, yet her great trust in God and sense of humor kept her always moving forward. Let us pray:
"Let nothing disturb thee; let nothing dismay thee; all thing pass; God never changes. Patience attains all that it strives for. He who has God finds he lacks nothing: God alone suffices.”
Amen!
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