Jesus leads and completes the mission of those he sees fit to choose on his own initiative.  They, in turn, keep their eyes on him; he shows them to be like him and do as he.

It is Jesus who takes the initiative to choose his apostles, missionaries or those he sends.  In fact, he sends them to preach the good news “by words and by works” (SV.EN XII: 78).

And he sends them out two by two.  It means that theirs is a community task.  Besides, he appoints them to witness to him and be his presence in their midst (Mt 18, 16. 20).

But, of course, to be Jesus’ witness and presence in person implies intimate knowledge of him and deep bond with him.  That is why one must not lose sight of him.  Missionaries are to choose with greater awareness the one who does not hesitate to choose them.  If they do not choose him, it will not be easy for them to be like him.  Nor will it be easy for them to do as he.

We can choose Jesus since he chooses us first.

Yes, those whom Jesus does choose and send must resemble him and choose him.  He is their inspiration and model.  And he is the first to go around to preach, teach and heal (Mk 1, 38-39; 6, 6).  So, missionaries are “to reach all the ‘peripheries’ in need of the light of the Gospel” (EG 20).  They will make it clear that the authority that Jesus gives them is meant to “free people from what enslaves, oppresses and dehumanizes them.”

And the missionaries will be like the one who embodies trust in the Father.  Hence, they will not worry about what to eat and drink, or what to wear.  Nor will they give appearance of being opportunists looking for the best deal.  They will seek first God’s kingdom and his justice.  For they are to trust that all will be given them besides; they will not worry about tomorrow.

They will take with them only what they need.  And this will also make for their being free and light as they go to their mission.  They are not to be among those who are settled in safe places.  It is hard for these to leave their installations and change their structures.  Worries about their own security can make them deaf, like Amaziah, to God’s word that demands justice.

Those whom Jesus sends are to do as Amos.  They will not flinch in the face of rejection.  But they will insist on the new and right that God wants to bring in.  They will acknowledge, too, that the Good News will not be seen as good if the rigid impose it.  It should bring peace and freedom.

They should not forget, besides, that success is due to God’s grace (SV.EN VII:305).  And this has its moments (SV.EN II:499).

Lord Jesus, grant that we choose those who are poor and take them as our “lords and masters” (SV.EN X:215).  We shall thus be like you and do as you.  Make us grasp also the greatest moment of God’s grace.  That is to say, when you give up your body and shed your blood for the sake of God’s kingdom and justice.

11 July 2021
15th Sunday in O.T. (B)
Am 7, 12-15; Eph 1, 3-14; Mk 6, 7-13