"Then he summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.
As you go, make this proclamation: 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received, without cost you are to give." ~ Matthew 10: 1, 5-8.
Today's Gospel reading is the one that jumped out at me as I was reading it. In seeking to draw closer to God, I have been studying the ancient Christian method of praying lectio divina.
As I meditate and study this, I wonder exactly how you gave the Apostles your power. Did you bless them by laying hands on them? Or did you just tell them they had the power?
What heady joy they must have felt when curing illness or driving out demons! And it was to be told to all whom they helped that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
This, then, the power over the dysfunctions of our world is the Kingdom of Heaven. It was available to them while they were living in this world.
It is available to us, now.
Why then, does illness and disease, demon possession still haunt our world? The Gospel has been preached throughout the world. But, somehow, the power has been lost. Surely, you didn't intend the power to fade with the deaths of the Apostles?
No, of course not, my Child. I want all of my disciples to give what they have received. Do you now understand that you have been given power to cure illness and disease, drive out demons? Tell others the good news of the Kingdom? And to do it without cost.
I want you go be a powerful force for good in my world. Do you accept this gift?
Yes, Lord, I do accept.
Then go forth in faith, knowing that I am with you. Be not afraid, my little child. I love you.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
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