So Jesus sounds the call for volunteers. Up to this point in the Gospel story he’s been the only one curing the sick and casting out the demons, but he figures it’s time to call up some reserve troops. He deputizes his disciples—a motley assortment of working stiffs, none of whom have seminary degrees—and sends them out to do some work. You’ll notice he doesn’t send them out to save souls for Heaven. Instead, he sends them out to address the needs the people have in the moment and to tell them that the Kingdom of Heaven is already near them.
I have a hunch that if the Church is to survive in 21st Century America the message won’t be about saving souls but about expressing love and compassion for all souls. The Church which I see emerging is going to be about mission, not about doctrine. It will be about seeking out the “harassed and helpless” and bringing love and healing to them in whatever capacity we’re able to do it.
Last weekend, I had the privilege of traveling with Bishop Mack to San Antonio Texas to ordain two men into the Priesthood. Father Val a PhD and director of community housing for the poor and Fr Stephen a PhD retired military chaplain who leads retreats for active military and retired veterans.
These men will help Fr. Robert, administrator of the newly established St. Jude Catholic parish in San Antonio, to grow the Hispanic community and continue their specialized ministries.
I believe the emerging Church of the future will focus on healing the neighborhood and the world, loving God and loving neighbors.
And, of course, like those first disciples, the disciples of today will get into trouble. They will cause controversy and say things which will aggravate people who just wish these Christians would stick to talking about the hereafter and not mention the problems of the here and now. Maybe some of them will end up in jail as Christians have in the past.
So what can I say to those of us who are harassed and helpless? There is still hope. The Kingdom of Heaven has come near, and the “help wanted” message of Jesus has been answered in the Buffalo-Pittsburg diocese with its unique vison of welcoming men from various traditions that in my past three years has welcomed, Fr. Erick, Fr. Don, Fr. Nadeem, Fr Corey, Fr. Joe, Fr. John, Fr. Richard, Fr. Marcus, Fr. Robert, Fr. Val and Fr. Steve to serve bringing that kingdom just a little bit closer to the people they serve throughout the country. We may be harassed by our vision by some, but we are not helpless, because we can still be here for each other and we can still pray “thy kingdom come” for the new work God’s people are and will be doing.
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends, especially my brothers in Christ who you have blessed me to serve as their mentor and guide. Bless their good work, give them, their spouse and children good health and our gratitude for the sacrifices they make in bringing the compassion and mercy to all people. Yes. our laborers may be few, but God can do a lot with them.
