The Commissioning of the Twelve

Today's Reflections 

      

The Commissioning of the Twelve

Mt 10:7-13

[Jesus said to the Twelve,] ⁷“As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ ⁸Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. ⁹Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; ¹⁰no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. ¹¹Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. ¹²As you enter a house, wish it peace. ¹³If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you.”

GO, MAKE THIS PROCLAMATION. The third of Jesus’ five great discourses in Matthew deals with the commissioning of the Twelve (apostles). This section, which covers the whole chapter 10, is referred to as the mission discourse. The mission is limited to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” After Jesus’ resurrection, there will be the great commissioning when the Eleven (Judas had hung himself) are sent to all nations.

Their proclamation is the same as Jesus’ message: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Their presence ushers the reign of God that is manifested in the healing of the sick, the raising of the dead to life, the cleansing of lepers, and the exorcising of demons. Indeed, the Twelve share the power of Jesus to work miracles.

Still, as Jesus meets opposition and enmity, they are likewise to expect rejection in some places. The gospel is like a two-edged sword that cuts both ways. It brings peace to those who accept it, but judgment to those who reject it.

Today’s Gospel is illustrated by the life and missionary activities of Barnabas, Paul’s mentor when he was a new convert to the Christian faith. Barnabas gives “freely” by selling his property in Cyprus and turning over the proceeds to help the poor Christians in Jerusalem. Indeed, he is true to his name—“son of consolation”—as he helps the apostles in Jerusalem and partners with Paul for the first missionary journey.

Are you a person of “consolation” to other people?

What gifts can you share?