Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Many years ago, one of the most popular TV suspense/action shows was “Mission Impossible.” Besides the awesome challenges of the mission itself, there were the equally awesome (then) gadgets and electronic gizmos used to help accomplish the weekly mission. Our liturgical readings for today make us think of those assigned missions. Some of those missions were accomplished long ago, and some are still ongoing.
The story of David preparing for his death after being king for forty years is made even more spell-binding as he calls his son Solomon to carry on his legacy. One can sense the deep emotion and urgency as David hopes to pass his purified wisdom and deep faith to his son. The legacy should stand on past accomplishments but will also depend upon the integrity and fidelity of his son.
Today’s Gospel is also a commissioning moment. Jesus is gathering his inexperienced but eager team. It is a mission to bring people to a new kind of insight about God’s plan of salvation through the power of unconditional love. There will be no extra tools and gizmos to assist them. They carry their tools on the inside as they demonstrate compassionate love, zeal to proclaim the Good News, mercy to heal the sick, and courage to drive back the powers of evil.
Each week, the old TV program proved that the mission was not impossible. Each of us is commissioned with the mission day by day, week by week, year by year. Time to move out!
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
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