Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples
and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out
and to cure every disease and every illness. (Mt 10:1)
In today’s Gospel, Jesus commissioned His disciples to go out to the world and proclaim the Good News.
Throughout history, the disciples of the disciples have been doing the same thing: preaching, teaching, proclaiming.
Jesus established His Church upon Peter, the Rock. He gave Peter authority to govern the Church. That authority has been passed down throughout the ages to our present pontiff.
Today is the feast of St. Benedict.
On this day, let us pray for our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI.
Lord, source of eternal life and truth, give to Your shepherd, the Pope, a spirit of courage and right judgement, a spirit of knowledge and love.
By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care may he, as successor to the apostle Peter and vicar of Christ, build Your church into a sacrament of unity, love, and peace for all the world.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.