Jesus said to the Twelve: "As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand. 'Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you."
REFLECTION
"As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Having made many mistakes in evangelizing, sometimes I feel I have three choices: overdo the message, underdo the message and just give up and let someone else do it.
Today's Gospel encourages us to follow the guidelines given to us by Jesus. The message is "Proclaim that the Kingdom of God is at hand". Travel lightly: leave your personal baggage at home and trust in God's providence and not our own devices. Pray for the Lord's blessing and be open to Him. The Holy Spirit works wonders when we trust Him. Leave behind the ego and bring peace, healing, meekness and humility and the presence of God to others.
St Barnabas, also known as the "Son of Encouragement", is an excellent example on how to do it right. He understood the scope of the ministry and knowing St Paul's conversion and his unique gifts, he invited him to join him in the rapidly growing church in Antioch. For a full year they worked together, ministered and taught the Gentiles to be Christians. (Acts 11:25-26)
Let me not only be called a Christian, but prove to be one.
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