By Rabindra Mallick csc –
Readings: Ezra 9: 5-9; Lk 9: 1-6
In today’s gospel, Jesus invites his disciples to share his mission. He sends them after giving the power and authority to cast out the demons, to heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God to people.
Today Jesus reminds us of our gifts to be his disciples through the sacraments of baptism and confirmation. As disciples, we are called to be at the service of others in society especially with the people we encounter. Being his disciples, we are called to be healers, comforters, helpers, and being witnesses of good news through our words and deeds. But Jesus, our master, challenges us to keep aside our attachments and comforts to be effective in our mission undertaking.
We carry negative attitudes such as jealousy, hatred, anger, gossip, power, ego, and selfishness. It is a challenge for us to forgo all these because they give us pleasure and make us comfortable. All these negative aspects of our lives indeed block us from being effective missionaries. We find it difficult to embrace a life of modesty, simplicity, meekness, humility, gentleness and depend on God’s providence.
Today, let us reflect our call to discipleship and see; what blocks me in my mission? Am I ready to let go of my personal comfort for the sake of Jesus’ mission?