Readings: Hosea 10:1-3,7-8,12; Psalm 105:2-7; Matthew 10:1-7.
“And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity.” Matthew 10:1.
Feeling sorry for the multitude since they were like sheep without a shepherd, Jesus said that the harvest was bountiful, but the laborers were few. Jesus immediately took action to address the situation. First, Jesus prayed for more laborers and convened the twelve to commission them for evangelism. In doing so, Jesus taught us to move beyond whining and fretting about our issues.
- Follow Jesus’ example by identifying the problem, praying, and acting with faith. Most of us are skilled at recognizing our issues, but we are often overwhelmed by their size. We either fail to pray or act on faith. Do what you are capable of doing. It may seem insignificant in comparison to the situation, but take action. Allow it to become a mustard-seed deed rooted on trust. Jesus came to redeem the entire world, yet he decided to start his ministry with only twelve workers. It makes no logical sense to send twelve men to solve a situation involving millions, yet this demonstrates the power of tiny, faith-based efforts.
- None of these guys were flawless; they were all ‘work-in-progress’, and one would turn around and betray Jesus. This reminds us that God is not interested in dealing with faultless individuals; rather, He favors those who own their weakness and need for God. During the banquet at Matthew’s house, Jesus stated, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (cf. Matthew 9:13). You do not have to be flawless to work for God, but you must be ready to allow God to use you.
- Why did Jesus chose such flawed people? Why does he still pick weak vessels today? St. Paul writes, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” Consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, and not many were of noble birth; but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being may boast in the presence of God.” (I Corinthians 1:25-29)
- God would never give you a task without the resources you need to do it. Jesus was well aware of the upcoming struggle. He realized it would be too risky to send his followers “empty-handed.” Jesus didn’t give them money. He gave them something more valuable than money: the ability to drive out demons and heal illnesses and infirmities. Do you believe there is anything God wants you to do? Start now. Everything is already given. Take a modest leap of faith today and keep going. Everything will start operating for you (see Romans 8:28). If Abraham hadn’t lifted his dagger to slay Isaac, he would not have spotted the ram. When you begin (no matter how tiny), you will realize what God has planned for you.
- As we pray for more vocations, we must also pray for more grace for those who have already responded to the call. Over time, we tend to forget or underestimate our authority. We may get overly casual in our prayer lives, even to the point where we assume everything is up to us. In these circumstances, we must reignite the fire of our calling. Hosea emphasizes in today’s First Reading that we must return to God. “It is time to seek the Lord that He may come and rain salvation on us.” Hosea 10:12. Anointings do not expire. God will never cease loving you. He, like the Prodigal Father, waits for your return.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, you have empowered your disciples. Renew your Holy Spirit every day so that we do not become weak in your vineyard. We pray this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the union of the Holy Spirit, God for all eternity. Amen.
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