Disciple and Master

Gospel: Matthew 10: 24-33

In the previous Gospel portions Jesus has done two things.  First, he sent out the disciples on mission to do the works Jesus himself has been doing: healing people, delivering people from their demons, nourishing them at table, offering peace.  Second, he instructs the disciples on how to undergo adversity and opposition - with silence and joy, just as the Lord Jesus himself has done and will do in his suffering and death.  

Now, in today's Gospel portion he reminds his followers that a disciple is not greater than their master, that if one is to call oneself a follower of Jesus, a disciple of Jesus, that one must do these same things: proclaim peace, heal others, free people from their demons, nourish them at table, all in a life of simplicity and joy.  The mission of Jesus is our mission.  The suffering and death of Jesus is our suffering and death as well.

We will be scandalized by churchmen who seek political power and influence, wealth and riches, fame and esteem - all the things Jesus rejected in the desert when tempted.  We cannot let that scandal detract us from the work of healing, liberation, nourishing, and peace.  The scandal of the false Christian must not take away our joy and simplicity in following the master in his work of ministry and reconciliation in the world.