We all hope that something new will emerge in our world, that chaos will give way to order, and that peace, justice, and respect for each individual will reign.
The evangelist Mathew began his Gospel by introducing the vision and Mission of Christ through the Sermon on the Mount. After the long discourse on the mountain, Matthew narrates ten healings and wonders Jesus performed for humanity. He wants to tell us that Jesus’ Word brought healing and changes in people’s lives; his Word makes all that is inhuman disappear from the world. The Gospel heals us from our inabilities and enables us to see the face of God and listen to the voice of God.
In Jesus, God fulfilled this promise and has personally come to care for the sick humanity. God revealed himself in Jesus as someone emotionally involved and compassionate for humanity’s pain. But Jesus makes it clear that he will not accomplish this mission alone. He calls on us to join his mission, to be a part of the healing of a broken world.
There are two tasks that Jesus asks us to carry out: to cast out unclean spirits and to heal all kinds of sicknesses and diseases. This means that we are called to give continuity to his work of salvation, and to carry out this mission, he gives us the power to perform wonders, to expel unclean spirits. Unclean in the Bible means everything contrary to life. They are the demons; they are called envy, jealousy, hatred, grudges, and always desire to possess more goods, to dominate and to enslave others.
These demons create a ruthless world where the other is seen as a rival, an enemy, not as a brother or sister to love. These demons must be cast out from each person’s heart because we are all possessed. Seeing the large crowd, the Lord says, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are only a few; therefore, ask the master of the harvest to send workers to gather his harvest. “We are the workers, and we must join together to cast out the demons of hatred and division and replace them with the love of God.
Mathew names the 12 apostles, including himself. Number 12 represents the 12 tribes of Israel. In Jesus’ time, not everyone in Israel believed in God. One betrayed the Master; another denounced the Master thrice… Despite their infidelity and weaknesses, Jesus assigns them with the mission.
For example, how come Judas Iscariot also got selected? Was he a wrong choice? A theologian had an interesting answer: “I am not sure if Judas was a wrong choice, but I have an even harder question: Why did Jesus choose me?” Because he has a mission for you.
Father Josekutty Mathew CMF
