The twelve Apostles and their mission:Matthew Chapter 10:1-15
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
From the crowd of his regular followers, Jesus chose twelve men to whom he gave miraculous powers. They all wanted to follow and serve the Kingdom of God, but they were very different in their ideas and backgrounds. Indeed, they often quarrelled and argued, and one even betrayed Jesus, while another denied that he had ever known his master. Such a variety of characters and ways of acting would have the advantage of attracting different people. Recognising their own faults and failings, it was to be hoped that the early Church could own their vulnerability and avoid the danger of considering themselves better than others.
Jesus sent them out to proclaim the imminent coming of the Kingdom and to prove this by working miracles among the people. That was their message. Then Jesus told them how they were to go. They were not to rely on money and riches; instead they were to carry no luggage, accepting the hospitality of the people among whom they were to work. If they were welcomed in a town, they were to accept it gratefully, but if they were rejected, they were to move on without cursing or harming that town. This was a period of work experience, and they would come back to Jesus and relate all that had happened to them.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· Do I work in a team? Are the people very different? Do I have arguments? How do I manage these?
· What are the benefits of working with people who have different ideas from my own?
· How can I work towards harmony in the groups to which I belong? (family, work colleagues, etc.)
· Do I rank myself better than some members of my group? Is that a healthy attitude to have?
Prayer
Lord, help me to value differences and to treat all people with respect and acceptance. You are Our Father, not just mine. Amen.