“As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (MT 10: 7)
The same proclamation to all scenarios: “the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We are not proclaiming ourselves; we bring people God’s presence, God’s love, and God’s protection. Our role is to be ambassadors of God’s love. To bring the beauty of marriage to every spouse and every family.
“The Kingdom of God is at hand: repent and believe in the Gospel.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.” (MT 10: 1)
Our Lord is sharing with us His authority. Over unclean spirits, and to cure every disease and every illness. I believe that we receive His special authority over people united by the sacrament of marriage—probably the most urgent area to serve. It is so good to remember—He is always with us and protects us.
“The Kingdom of God is at hand: repent and believe in the Gospel.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (MT 9: 37-38)
When we serve couples with our Programs, we see “the harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.” Sometimes we have priests, but no coaches, sometimes we have coaches ready to serve, but no priest or place or global situation makes it impossible. But we can always “ask the master of the harvest” to help. He is more involved than we can imagine. It could be our daily request: “send out laborers for his harvest.”
“I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, ‘Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.’ And they ridiculed him.” (MT 9: 23-24)
What we call “death” Our Lord calls “sleep.” And “ridiculed him” because they knew better. Our Lord brings new meanings, new understanding. What we call crisis and damage; He sees potential and a new opportunity, a new beginning, and a new start. When we serve couples in crisis in our Programs, we often see hope and a new chance for them. Who’s stronger? Crisis or Jesus? We need to invite Our Lord to their relationship and good strategies. He takes care. Always!
“Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples.” (MK 6: 1)
Sometimes coming to our “native place” is not a comfort. Rather very distractive and disappointed. We naturally expect to be recognized and supported among “our people.” Our Lord shows us that following Him can be difficult when visiting our relatives or neighbors. Our parents or our siblings may not be happy seeing what we do for others, may not be supportive of our service to the Programs, or refuse to take care of our children because we spend too much time (in their opinion) serving others. When we have a supporting environment, let’s be very grateful.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“Thomas answered and said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.’” (JN 20: 28-29)
How many of us will use the opportunity to blame Thomas? How could you? You are my apostle! You spent three years with me, and you don’t believe? Even when your brother apostles told you? Our Lord accepted Thomas’s condition and permitted him to make his checking list. We have a more difficult situation, and Our Lord knowing this gives us more blessings and admiration when we believe. When our children don’t believe—stop judging them: love them more.
“You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen, but still believe!” (Gospel Acclamation)
“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (MT 9: 12-13)
Maybe, this is one of the installed programs from our childhood—we need to be right and polite to have others’ attention; the condition to be accepted and rewarded. Our Lord “didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.” He came to express His Father’s love to every creature, to everyone, because when we are unconditionally loved, we can fully answer to our identity. Hurt people—hurt people, loved people—love people.
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.” (The Gospel Acclamation)
“And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.’” (MT 9, 2)
Our Lord saw “a paralytic lying on a stretcher,” but He saw the faith of the people who brought the paralytic to Him. We can often pray for those who are far away from the faith, who are lost, and who have stopped believing. Our Lord respects friend’s support and makes miracles for people in need.
“God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road.” (MT 8: 28)
Our Lord makes dangerous roads again safe. He wants to remind us that He is in front of us. He prepares our roads to bring us closer to Him and others. Roads were created to help meet people, shorten the distance, and connect us with others. Whenever we travel, it is good to remember that we are always moving for one reason—to love more.
“The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“Jesus asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter said in reply, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” (MK 16: 13-16)
Sometimes we are missing the true identity of Our Lord; He could be a friend, a comforter, the One Who answers our needs, or he could be the one who seems blind and deaf when we need Him. We could admire Him or ignore Him; we could believe in Him or fight with Him. The Church has an authority to expand our ideas, to show us the true meaning: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
“You are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” (Gospel Acclamation)
