Homilies/Reflections
Being a part of the Kingdom
By Religious
Today’s Gospel reading is one of those summary passages describing in general terms the work of Jesus. He is accompanied by the chosen Twelve, his co-operators in the preaching of the word and the establishing of the Kingdom. And it is precisely the Good News about the Kingdom that they are preaching in word and demonstrating in practice. What is noteworthy here is the mention of many women also travelling in the company of Jesus. Some of them were women who had been healed of evil spirits. One is mentioned by name, Mary of Magdala, from whom seven evil spirits had been exorcised. These helped Jesus and his disciples with their material needs. Once again, Jesus is not embarrassed to travel in the company of these women; nor are they uncomfortable in his. We see here two roles being played by followers of Jesus. On the one hand are the apostles whose function it is to proclaim the Gospel and establish the Kingdom by word and deed, by preaching and by the example of the communal and shared life they are leading. The other role is that of disciples who are materially better off and who support the work of proclaiming the Gospel by providing for the material and other needs of the evangelizers. Both roles are complementary and both, taken together, form the evangelizing work of the Church. Prayer: I want Lord to be a part of the building of your kingdom here on earth. Rid me of all lethargy to this awesome task. Amen.