Happy Wednesday, everyone!
Today’s Gospel reading from Luke 9:1-6 offers two profound points for reflection. First, Jesus empowers the Apostles with authority over “all demons and to cure diseases” and sends them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God. This passage reminds me of the scripture, “With God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Here, God shares His supernatural power with humans, granting them abilities beyond their natural capacity. This divine authority mirrors how priests, through God’s grace, forgive sins—an act that transcends human nature. God invites certain individuals to perform extraordinary deeds to advance His Kingdom, as we see throughout history in the lives of great saints who accomplished remarkable things through His power.
The second point that stands out is Jesus’ instruction to the Apostles: “If people do not welcome you, leave that town and shake the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” This is striking. In an era when many died from diseases we now consider curable, why would anyone reject someone with the power to heal or cast out demons? The answer likely lies in the Apostles’ primary mission: to proclaim the Kingdom of God.
The Church—including you and me—is charged with proclaiming this same Kingdom. Yet, it’s often God Himself that people reject. Many cling to anything but the truth that God loves them, desires their salvation, and offers an eternal destiny beyond this world of trouble and sorrow.
So much of today’s anxiety, worry, and depression can be traced to a rejection of God—sometimes unconsciously. The sin of Adam leaves us inclined to choose evil over good, to turn away from our Creator. We are damaged, broken, and wounded, yet God continues to call us. He longs to unite us with Himself. Through His power, we can overcome our brokenness and welcome the Kingdom of God into our hearts.