Have you ever been at Mass and before you know it your saying, "Thanks be to God" or "Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ" and not you’re not sure what you’ve just heard. There are all sorts of distractions we bring into Mass or reading Scripture; so at times, I try to listen for key words to help me remember the main point.
In today’s Gospel, there are two words that stood out for me: "Proclaim and Heal." Jesus sends His disciples to proclaim the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. There’s a beautiful simplicity in this mandate. The disciples weren’t sent to conduct debates or theological seminars (both of which have their place), but to unapologetically and joyfully proclaim the Kingdom of God.
And, if they are rejected, Jesus tells them to peaceably leave the community, shaking the dust from their feet and to head to another village to proclaim the good news and cure disease.
We often hear the word "proclaim" in Scripture and in the Church’s liturgy. Its literal meaning is to "cry out" in the presence of others. When we hear the Word of God at Mass, it isn’t just read aloud like a newspaper article - but it is proclaimed - because it is God’s Word being spoken to us. The same happens when in a group or privately we read the Bible.
Jesus also directs the disciples to take nothing with them for the journey, just the clothes on their backs. Most of us have a hard time fitting our clothes and other items into our luggage but Jesus’ message can bring a freedom that we all need. For to travel lightly (literally or figuratively) frees us from unnecessary burdens and worries. You know when you check your bags at an airport and are just left with a carry-on how good that feels.
This simplicity allows us to be less prone to distraction and better able to listen to and follow Jesus. When our hands, minds, and hearts are open, we are able to reach out to help others - who often need the consoling or a healing touch that God has given to us.
So here’s something for us to try today, hopefully to bring to your families: "What do I need to let go of?", or "How do I become part of a family that helps bring the healing presence of Jesus to others, beginning at home and going outward?"
My brothers and sisters, Proclaim and Heal, that’s what Jesus is calling us to do, today!
May God bless you and your families!
