Reflection by Deacon Mark Kelly,
As Good as it Gets
If we’ve got into the habit of thinking about the gospel figures as remote and inspirational but not us, then today’s gospel makes us sit up. The twelve apostles are specifically commissioned by Jesus and Peter is appointed leader of the church. That was 2000 years ago, and we understand the Pope is the successor of Peter while the bishops are in the line of the apostles.
But what about the rest of us? Today’s gospel (Lk 10:1-12, 17-20) recounts Jesus appointing others besides the Twelve. These others are to be His disciples too and they represent all of us. We aren’t members of the Twelve but we’re disciples. Baptism is the ritual by which we become disciples of Jesus who speaks to these “others” and tells them being a disciple won’t always be easy. Again, he is talking about us. He is talking to us: women and men, old, young, of whatever status, ethnicity, or background.
And we know about it not being easy! How unfashionable it is to be a disciple today - to lead a Christian life, to stand tall behind core Christian values, defence of the poor and marginalised, of refugees and victims of discrimination, defending the rights of the unborn, while at the same time respecting the dignity of those who don’t respect us. It is hard to be faithful to regular participation in Eucharist and reconciliation when nobody else seems to care. It is hard not to be entrapped by the consumerist, care for nothing world around us. Discipleship is difficult.
But, as our gospel today assures us, we are not alone, we are sent and we wield the power of the Holy Spirit, we are spreading the Good News by our Christian lives and we are assured by our saviour that, “our names are written in heaven.” That is as good as it gets!
