Into whatever house you enter, first say,
‘Peace to this household.’
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
The Catholic Church's first interest in dealing with national and local governments is its own freedom to worship the Lord and to invite others to join us. Joy wants to be shared, and freedom wants to address free people.
Nor are we limited by the pursuit of success. If some people, for reasons of their own, choose not to share our joy and the privilege of living in the truth, we can move on in search of a more receptive community. The Gospels tell how the Lord himself sometimes met with a tepid reception in his home town; and, after healing a few sick persons, moved on to greener pastures. But Saint Mark adds, he was surprised and saddened by their obtuseness.
Today's gospel describes a preliminary mission of the apostles. They will try their hand at announcing the gospel in preparation for that day -- which they must find unimaginable -- when they will tell the world about his passion, death, and resurrection; and its huge significance. For the present they can say only the Lord intends to visit their towns and villages, on his way to Jerusalem.
Their mission seems well organized and deliberate; it was not unlike the recent, nationwide pilgrimage to Indianapolis. Although 55,000 people actually entered the stadium, tens of thousands marched and hundreds of thousands observed the spectacle. It was well publicized and noticed; and the nation was reminded that Catholics love the Lord, care deeply about others, and are here to stay.
This gospel describes the missionary's freedom by their lack of baggage. They are "like lambs among wolves, carrying no money bags, no sack, no sandals." They travel light and rely on the generosity of strangers. As they discover that the Holy Spirit anticipates their coming, and upon receiving such kindness upon arriving, they will say with all the more conviction, "Peace to this household."
Their courtesy and gratitude, coupled with their care of the sick whom they meet everywhere, will announce the Lord's message, "The Kingdom of God is at hand for you."
Wherever he is, there is the Kingdom; and wherever we take our Eucharistic Communion, the Kingdom of God is at hand.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.