Extraordinary Ordinary People

Scriptural reflection based on the mass readings of Wednesday, July 7, 2021 — fourteenth week of ordinary time.

Reading 1: Gn 41:55–57; 42:5–7a, 17–24a
Psalm: 33:2–3, 10–11, 18–19
Gospel: Mt 10:1–7

Today in the Gospel of Matthew we hear about ordinary people being called upon to do extraordinary things.

Jesus called on twelve of his disciples to carry on the works that he did. Who did he choose to carry on God’s mission on earth? Well, they must have been the elite of all the disciples — the best of the best, right? They were probably the ones who aced all the exams and scored 1600 in their discipleship SAT, a 340 on their sainthood GRE, or an impressive 528 on their apostleship MCAT. They were, after all, called to heal the sick.

But, plainly said, they were very ordinary people. They had typical trades and jobs of the day, in their leisure they did ordinary things, they did not have social advantages, they had no exclusive education — there was no special seminary school for first century disciples. They were everyday people, like you and me. In other words, their call is our call, too!

We know that Jesus eventually sent his disciples to the ends of the earth — God’s mission is world-wide. The mission is both to our neighborhood and also across the country, to the developed world, as well as to developing countries. But before he sent them afar, Jesus first asked them to open their eyes to the needs and concerns of the people around them. He said, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.” Instead, he said, “Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Jesus’ mission to the “lost sheep” is as relevant today as it was in the time of the early Church. Jesus asks us to open our eyes to the anguish of those in our families, to the needs of our circle of friends, to the worries of our colleagues and co-workers. Like the twelve, how can we know the opportunities of pastoral care outside if we haven’t first learned to recognize it in the environments and situations with which we are the most familiar?

Jesus sent the disciples to proclaim that “the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” using their authority to cure disease and illness. Remember, the twelve disciples were ordinary people without specialized training. They were hardly qualified by today’s standards. Jesus still sent them! He sends us, too, because we, also, have the ability to heal. We will likely not be able to heal people of physical ailments and mental illness, but as people of faith who experience God’s mercy and compassion, we can help to mend someone’s spirit. As people who believe in the dignity of each person, made in the image and likeness of God, we can help heal the doubt people have in themselves as beloved children of God. Unlike the careers we have undergone training for, or the vocations for which we are currently studying, God does not require of us a Bachelor’s degree to express how much we care, nor a Master’s degree to offer a moment of attention, nor a PhD to show someone that we love them.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created physical distance between members of our community and in our neighborhoods. Many are now slowly emerging from isolation and enjoying once again the company of friends and visits with family. We rejoice and celebrate with the people we encounter, but take note of who you do not see… at church, but also in other places around town where you would typically meet up with others. Who isn’t there? Who do you not see? Who are they? Might you be able to give them a call or send them a text today? Today in the Gospel of Matthew we hear about ordinary people being called upon to do extraordinary things… Jesus called the twelve, and his call extends to all of us, too!

Originally published at http://bridgingourworlds.wordpress.com on July 7, 2021.