“And as you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.”
Matthew 9:36-10:8
Jesus summoned and inducted his followers into mission even though they must have felt inadequate and unworthy. The only preparation they had was simply being in his presence. It was not an event but a way of life where they were able to model his living and thinking.
Today, Jesus is asking us to reflect on our mission as disciples. We have already been blessed with insurmountable gifts to disciple others and this is a collective mission. Our synodal journey is a new way of the kingdom of God being made visible in our church. This synod summons us to set free the antiquated perception of church and receive the authority from our Holy Father to go out. It is a call for us to put compassion before religiosity and to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand. It is a deeper call for us to journey together because we cannot accomplish our mission in isolation.
May we come to appreciate the significance of our call to discipleship. Lord, having received without charge we are ready to give without charge.