22 January 2016 - with him, sent forth, given authority

[ Today's Readings ]

He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles,
that they might be with him
and he might send them forth to preach 
and to have authority to drive out demons:

He calls them first "that they might be with him" and only second to "send them forth". There are sent forth to preach. They are sent forth with authority.

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you (cf. Luke 10:19).

The disciples aren't the only ones who are called to preach nor the only ones given authority. Jesus summons us as well. Let us come to him. We need to begin in his presence because it isn't only the twelve who are called to preach the gospel, nor only the ordained, but everyone.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light (cf. 1 Peter 2:9).

With Paul, we say "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:16). After all, if it really is the power of God for salvation we cannot keep it to ourselves. But to go forth and preach is obviously something for which none of us are well equipped. It is only when we come to Jesus first that we are sent forth with power. Only then do our words have authority like that of Jesus, "for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes" (cf. Matthew 7:29).

He calls us to him so that we can share in his own mission. But our share in his mission is matched by our share in his authority. We have to do it but we can't do it on our own. The world needs it. Yet by ourselves we fall flat. Only if we trust in him can the world get what it needs.

If we come to Jesus and trust in him we will be able to do what we ought to do even in the most difficult of circumstances. Even if our very lives our on the line we will not succumb but witness to the greatness of God.

Since I cut off an end of your mantle and did not kill you, 
see and be convinced that I plan no harm and no rebellion.
I have done you no wrong, 
though you are hunting me down to take my life.
The LORD will judge between me and you, 
and the LORD will exact justice from you in my case.
I shall not touch you.

Do we feel afraid? Are there things in life which seem to chase us down? We don't need to take matters into our own hands. Trusting in God we stand firm. Step one, the essential step, the step which we cannot skip is to be with him. Only then are we sent forth in power.

Have mercy on me, O God; have mercy on me,
for in you I take refuge.
In the shadow of your wings I take refuge,
till harm pass by.