Wednesday of week 14 in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 10:1-7In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls the Twelve Apostles and entrusts them with His own authority “over unclean spirits, with power to cast them out and to cure all kinds of diseases and sickness.” This authority does not originate from the disciples themselves but from Christ, who continues His saving work through those He has chosen. This mission did not end with the Apostles. Through apostolic succession, Christ continues to act in His Church, proclaiming the Gospel, forgiving sins, celebrating the sacraments, healing wounded hearts, and freeing people from the power of evil. The Church is not merely a human institution; she is the living Body of Christ through which His grace continues to reach the world. We should therefore be deeply grateful for the gift of the Church, where we encounter the same Lord who called, sent, and empowered the Apostles. Every celebration of the Eucharist, every absolution in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, every proclamation of the Gospel, and every sincere act of charity is a sign that Christ is still working among His people. The Gospel invites us not to take these gifts for granted but to receive them with gratitude and to cooperate with the mission entrusted to the Church, so that the Kingdom of God may continue to be proclaimed and made visible in our world. Let’s reflect: Do I truly recognize with gratitude that Christ continues to heal, forgive, and lead His people through His Church, and do I actively cooperate with the mission He has entrusted to her?
Don Giorgio