Daily Reflections- July 11, 2012

COMMUNITY OF FAITH

 

Jesus calls 12 men to change the world. Twelve? Fishermen, tax collectors, zealots and traitors — watch out, world! Did you say 12? Why not more, why not less? The number 12 is significant as it represented the 12 tribes of Israel. These men were to represent New Israel, the Church of Jesus.

You may look at the list of Apostles and question Jesus about His choice of men. Why did He choose these people? Why not the professionals, those more educated or with greater capabilities? Jesus chooses the weak to confound the strong. Remember it was a fisherman who converted three thousand after Pentecost. The itinerary is simple: go to the lost sheep of Israel and proclaim the Kingdom of God.

Notice in the Gospel that Jesus does the work for them. He calls them and gives them power and authority. He sends them out and He instructs them. They’re merely to listen, follow and obey Him. Easy! The Twelve will be the foundation of the Church. In modern times, they are called bishops, who give priests the authority to preach and teach.

The Father of Western Monasticism, St. Benedict, whom the Church remembers today, was one such abbot (or bishop/overseer). In the silence of the monastery, many approached him to be his disciples. His rule was simple: work and pray. And his motto? To prefer nothing to the love of Christ. Benedict was known for his hospitality, a key characteristic to those living the monastic life. Christ was present in every monk, in every visitor, and in all that was achieved through manual labor. Their witness is done through prayer, work and living the life of silent recollection. Another key characteristic was their community life. All people in Benedict’s monastery were seen as equal — no room for jostling of positions.

Jesus’ first disciples, and all of us for that matter, are constantly reminded to be humble and treat each other as brothers and sisters, and to gather as a community around Jesus, ready to be sent out to various missionary endeavors.Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Does your community foster hospitality, love for Christ and respect for each member? How can you make it more loving and life-giving?

 

Lord, I thank You for calling me to the community of the Church. Help me discover my vocation within my little communities — my family, my parish, my work.