Called and Sent for a Mission

 Called and Sent for a Mission 

Reflection onMatthew 10:1-7

In Matthew 10:1-7, we witness a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus as He calls His twelve apostles and sends them out with authority to continue His work. This passage is not only about the commissioning of the apostles but also about the heart of the mission they are to undertake—proclaiming that “the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Jesus does not choose the most influential or educated men of His time. Instead, He selects ordinary individuals, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. This reminds us that God's call is not based on worldly qualifications but on the openness of the heart and the willingness to follow. The authority given to the apostles—to heal, to cleanse, to raise the dead, and to cast out demons—is not for personal gain, but for service to others, especially the lost and the suffering.

Furthermore, Jesus’ instruction to go first “to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” highlights God’s deep desire to restore His people. This focus also teaches us that charity begins at home. Our mission as Catholics starts in our own families, parishes, and communities before it reaches farther.

Today, we too are called to be modern-day apostles. While we may not be sent in the exact same way, we are still invited to carry Christ’s message through our words, our witness, and our service. We are called to speak of God’s love, bring healing through compassion, and remind others that the Kingdom of God is near—through justice, mercy, and peace.

Key Takeaway:
God calls ordinary people to share in His extraordinary mission. We are each chosen to bring His presence to others, starting in our own community, proclaiming by our lives that the Kingdom of heaven is truly at hand.