Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr
In today’s Gospel, Jesus goes up the mountain and summons his disciples. When they had gathered together, Jesus appointed the Twelve and named them Apostles. He called these disciples to follow him and then sent them forth to preach the Good News. He gave them the authority to drive out demons. Saints and sinners alike throughout history have questioned their value and worthiness to be a disciple of Christ. St. Therese of Lisieux described that “he does not call those who are worthy, but those whom he pleases.” Jesus summoned “those whom he wanted.” They were “to be with him” – as disciples and friends “to be sent forth.”
Today, Jesus summons us to be his disciples. Like the apostles, each of us is called by name; we are called into a profoundly personal and intimate relationship with Jesus. In this relationship, we experience our deepest significance and personal worth. We are also called to go forth to preach the Good News. We are to carry out his mission now, in this time and place. Are we willing to leave our comfort zone and follow Jesus? The logistics are different from the time of the Apostles, but in very much the same way, Jesus wants us to spread the Good News to those around us: our family, friends, and coworkers as well as strangers we may encounter. Jesus called twelve ordinary people to help carry out his mission.
You and I are ordinary people, with families, jobs, and responsibilities. Yet, God created us and called us to be here in this exact moment in our community and world. Each of us has the power of love and kindness, the power to act, the power to be compassionate and merciful. In Him, “Kindness and truth shall meet, justice and peace shall kiss” (Ps 85:11). What is Christ calling me to at this moment? In what ways am I bringing Christ to those in my daily life? Am I prepared to say yes? God has reconciled the world to himself in Christ, and entrusted to us the message of reconciliation. We can spread the Good News with our words, our deeds and our concern! The love and care we offer to one another has the power to drive out demons and unclean spirits. Think like Jesus, talk like Jesus, act as Jesus. We may just give someone else a great gift.
Blessings,
Brandon Meyer