Answering the Call

Gospel: Matthew 10: 1-7

In yesterday's Gospel portion Jesus prayed that we would come to work the harvest so desperately needed.  Today he calls an initial group to enter the fields and reap the harvest.  They are to do so by undertaking the same work Jesus himself has done:  to heal people of all their diseases and infirmities; to liberate people from the demons that imprison them; to nourish people at table and announce the kingdom of God is present in their midst.

Today Jesus commissions twelve; later he will appoint a further 72 to undertake the same work.  Throughout the ages up to today he calls many to the work of mercy and reconciliation, the work of the kingdom of God.  Many do not answer the call as the grip of self-interest squashes the call.  Many others are deterred from the work by the Church herself, restricting the work to less than half the population, insisting on a discipline few follow and one having little historical warrant.

In spite of such limitations, many take up the work regardless of the limitations.  The needs of people take priority over our arbitrary rules and categories.  People have a right to have access to the sacraments.  They have a right to health care, to food and drink, shelter and clothing.  Providing these things to people is the only work of the Lord Jesus, the only priority for us.  The world is in sore need of our care.  We cannot, we must not, deprive them of it.