14TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. 

Most of us remember that moment when our parents turned the steering wheel over to us for the first time. We may have practiced for hours with them by our side, but now we were about to venture out on our own. What trust they placed in us! Could we really keep ourselves—and the car—safe?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gets out of the car, so to speak, and gives the wheel over to his apostles. What incredible trust he places in them! Were they ready? He must have known that it was time for them to go out and perform the same kind of miracles they had witnessed him doing. They would learn by experience, just as we learn as we begin to drive. And they would certainly make their share of mistakes along the way.

But Jesus also knew that he had already formed the apostles in their thinking and acting. He had given them instruction and careful guidance. His voice would always be in the back of their minds as they went about their work. In that sense, he wasn’t sending them out alone. Just as a new driver hears his parent’s voice as he gets behind the wheel, so too they would hear Jesus’ words and remember what he said and did.

Isn’t this how it is with us? What incredible trust Jesus places in us as he sends us off to do his work! He calls us to teach, to serve, to pray with people, and to evangelize—often in surprising and difficult situations. We don’t always feel as prepared or as capable as we’d like to be. But just as the apostles did, we too can learn by experience.

There’s one difference, however, between the driving example and our call to share the good news: Jesus doesn’t leave us completely on our own. He has given us his Holy Spirit, who empowers us to hear him as he teaches us, leads us, and reassures us.

So as you strive to serve the Lord, stay keenly aware of the trust he places in you. Then ask the Spirit to guide and direct you as you go about your work. Like the apostles, you too can witness to the kingdom of God in our midst.

“Lord Jesus, thank you for the trust you place in me each day.”

Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16
Matthew 10:7-15