Gospel: Matthew 10:1-7
Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean
spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The
names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his
brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and
Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus,
and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus.
Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into
pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the
house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is
at hand.’”
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Reflection:
How can we effectively evangelize? We must always be connected with Jesus
in our words and deeds. We can never be effected evangelizers of Jesus'
teachings if we only preach it and not live it.
Except for Judas who betrayed Jesus, the other eleven apostles were
effective messengers of Jesus’ teachings. For the simple reason that they
preached it, they lived it and even gave their lives for it.
They were simple people some were fishermen, they were like us
sinners as well. In the eyes of men they may not be worthy to become Jesus
apostles but Jesus called them and qualified them.
Jesus is neither a discriminating God nor a condemning God, He is a God
of love, mercy and compassion. He therefore calls us all to turn our backs from
our sinful lives and become His followers that will help Him advance the good
news of His love and compassion.
You may say that you are not worthy to be called, but who is worthy?
Nobody because we are all sinners what Jesus is after is your yes to His call.
– Marino J. Dasmarinas