Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two
and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
So they went off and preached repentance.
The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. (Mk 6:7,12-13)
We are a real “gimme” kind of society.
We always seem to ask, “What’s in it for me?”
If there is no reward, no immediate gratification, we do not chose it.
That is so unlike what the Lord wants and expects from us, however.
Jesus commissioned us to go out into the world and tell the Good News.
He did not say, “Go out into the world and make sure that you get served. Be lazy. Don’t lift a finger to help others. Just take what you want and, when you finish up at one place, go mooch at the next.”
No. That is not Jesus at all.
Jesus commissioned His followers to go out into the world and DO. Do good works. Do healings. Do works of penance. Do works of love.
I am aware that runs contrary to our human nature; however, that is what Jesus often demands. He wants us to be counter-cultural, to go against our baser human nature so that we can raise others from the mire of their lives and, in the process, raise ourselves as well.
When we do the works of the Lord, God is pleased and works through us.
I do not know about you; but, when I get the chance to see God face to face, I would rather see a smile on His face rather than a frown!
FAITH ACTION: Ask God to give you the grace and courage that you need today to do the works of the Lord.