MATTHEW 10:1-7 CALLED AND SENT
Year A, Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time

In today's Gospel, Jesus calls the Twelve by name and sends them out to proclaim that "the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." Before He sends them, however, He first gives them His authority. Their mission does not begin with their own talents or abilities, but with His grace.

The same is true for us. At Baptism, each of us was called by name and entrusted with a mission. We may not preach to large crowds or travel to distant countries, but every day God sends us into our homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, and parish communities to make His love visible.

Sometimes we think we are not qualified enough to share our faith. We focus on our weaknesses and shortcomings. Yet if you look at the Twelve Apostles, they were ordinary people with many imperfections. What made the difference was not who they were, but that they were willing to follow Jesus and let Him work through them.

Perhaps the question for us today is this: Do I see myself as someone who has been sent by Christ? Every conversation, every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every act of forgiveness is an opportunity to proclaim that God's Kingdom is near. The Lord is still calling ordinary people to do extraordinary things. May we have the courage to answer, "Here I am, Lord. Send me."

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

Father Leo