Reflection: Matthew 10:1-7

Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time – Matthew 10:1-7

In today’s Gospel, Jesus empowers his disciples to drive out unclean spirits and cure every disease and every illness.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the disciples were in our midst today?  What is the disease, illness, or infirmity from which you long to be delivered?  What are the spirits you would ask the disciples to drive out of you? 

Jesus then names his Twelve Disciples and immediately sends them forth to preach the Good News.  He tells them not to go into pagan territory or into a Samaritan town.  Rather, Jesus instructs them to go to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.  In every town they enter, they are to proclaim: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

Imagine that you are one of these disciples. Jesus is standing right in front of you and He is giving you these instructions.  How do you think you would respond?  Would you take Jesus’ words literally?  Would you believe that you have been given the power to drive out demons and unclean spirits and heal the afflicted?   Would you be anxious or fearful about Jesus’ call or would you be raring to go, ready to share your new gifts?

The reality is that each of us has the ability to heal.  Most likely we will not be able to heal a physical illness, however we can help heal someone’s spirit or their belief in themselves.   Each of us has the ability to gift another person with our care, love, and attention.  All of these gifts are healing gifts!  We also need to receive these gifts from others.

Today, I invite you to be mindful and to share freely the gifts that you have received.  It may be as simple as spending a few moments with a friend who needs some care and attention.   Perhaps it is taking the time to help someone with a project or their cleaning.  It simply may be inviting a friend to have lunch with you.

Today I also invite you to be mindful of the gifts that others share with you.  You will receive many gifts today.   Today and every day may we be mindful and notice the many small gifts we receive.  May we be grateful for the love and care of our generous God as well as the individual who gifted us with their time, attention or care.  All gifts flow from the heart of God!