Sept. 22, Lectionary # 451

Scripture: Lectionary # 451. Proverbs 30:5-9. Psalm
119:29,72,89,101,104,163. Luke 9:1-6:

Jesus calls the Twelve (apostles) and gives them power and authority to
accomplish his mission of bringing the Good News (Gospel, euaggelion) to
the towns and villages. They are to heal and to preach and to exorcise.
We, too, are numbered among the chosen of Jesus and have the same task of
bringing the Good News to others. The world is in need of everyone of us
because of the overwhelming population of over five billion people. Like
Isaiah we have to say "I will go" and like the Twelve we will have some
gifts that resemble what the apostles had in different ways. Our example
will be most of the preaching of this Good News. Many people are open to
our testimony to the Gospel; others are searching for God; still others
need to be awakened from the distractions and toys of this world to realize
that there is something deeper possible for them in life. We are called to
witness the Christ-life to them. We are Jesus' creative agents of salvation
just as Isaiah was for the People of God.

Pope Benedict XVI has recently visited England. He witnessed to the Gospel
and admitted the need for the shepherds of the church to be more truthful
and not to give scandal to the peoples of the world by hiding these
scandals that come under their supervision. He witnessed Christ's love to
the people of England even though some of the radical and violent people
were out to seize him and even assassinate him. Great crowds came out to
see the Vicar of Christ and found the continuity that each Pope brings to
the world. There is always room for improvement, but when steps are made
forward we need to acknowledge this in whoever manifests witness to the
values of the Gospel. Through his call to be the spiritual leader of the
Catholic Church he brought this gift of continuity to the crowds despite
the bad press he had received and the threats from the violent ones or
malcontents. He witnessed to the Gospel by speaking the truth and by
demanding greater honesty from his own leaders who are to be the shepherds
for the flock of Christ.

We, too, like the Twelve, like the Pope are sent forth to proclaim the
light of the Gospel and the reign of God. We are to heal the afflicted,
comfort the lonely, and feed the poor. Our own spirituality and simplicity
of life, our continuity in the faith and our bold witness is Good News for
all. People are waiting to hear and experience this Good News and we are
the "other Christs and his Chosen Ones" called to do this. Amen.