Wednesday – 14th Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel – Matthew 10:1-7

We’ve Got The Power

Open Market, Jerusalem

I stopped into a Dollar General a while ago to pick up a few things.  As I was checking out, while I didn’t know her name, I recognized that the cashier was Moslem and greeted her accordingly - assalamu alaikum  I knew they were in the middle of their month of fasting and prayer; so we shared a bit about the possible similarities between Ramadan and Lent.  It was both thoughtful and enlightening.  And it all started with just a simple kindly greeting!  I then wished her a blessed Ramadan.  You could have lit up a thousand light bulbs from her smile.  Just a simple act of kindness but what a difference it can make!

In today’s Gospel, Jesus commissions the Twelve.  He gives them authority over demons and the power to heal and then sends them out to neighboring towns to spread the Word.

By virtue of our Baptism, our adoption as sons and daughters of God the Father, we have also been empowered!  We have also been given the task to spread the Word by our words and our actions.  We are called to heal our broken relationships by seeking and giving forgiveness. We are called to tend to those in pain with words of comfort and supportive actions.  We are called to open the eyes of those blinded by anger or selfishness.  We are called to support those who struggle to walk on their own. We are all called to acknowledge each other as brothers and sisters in faith!  It can be a simple gesture – a pat on the back – or a kind word that brings relief or a smile.  How hard can it be!

In any case, we have that power!  How will you use the power today?

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