A reading from the Gospel of Matthew

Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

Reflection The commissioning of the twelve apostles by Jesus Christ is a fulfilment of the prophecy and part of the promise of salvation.

From the establishment of twelve tribes of Israel in the days of Moses, Jesus brings to fruition the glory of God’s promise to humanity through His Chosen People, the Israelites - who were ordained by Him as light to the nations.

There is an order to God’s plan of salvation - that the Messiah comes from Israel, and through Israel to others.

The chosen Apostles are the pillars of the establishment of a new eternal priesthood and lineage through which grace is conferred. Jesus Christ is establishing His Kingdom on earth.

This is phenomenal and powerful revelation.

That God Himself gave His Church the authority to work as He works, to remit sins as He remit sins, to heal as He heals.

May today’s Gospel be a reminder for us to foster a deeper love for our Jewish brothers and sisters, and for the Church.

We have much to be grateful for.

Everything we need to conquer the world is in the Church.

Praise God for His everlasting goodness and mercy!