Early Christian Mission Statement

In the Gospel for the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 10: 1-12, 17-20), we learn more about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. This section of Luke’s Gospel is titled, “The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke’s Travel Narrative.”

Travel Plans 

Jesus sends out his followers to all of the towns that he plans to visit during his journey to Jerusalem. In this text, Jesus delegates, giving clear instructions for discipleship. He sends out teams, not individuals. He tells them what not to take and how to behave; he tells them what to eat and where to stay. Jesus does this with a sense of urgency, “the kingdom of God is at hand for you.” 

The Kingdom of God

A third century theologian and biblical scholar of the Greek Church wrote: “those who pray for the coming of the Kingdom of God pray without any doubt for the Kingdom of God that they contain in themselves, and they pray that this kingdom might bear fruit and attain its fullness.” We can interpret this to mean that the Kingdom of God resides in the heart of man. In his book “Jesus of Nazareth”, Pope Benedict states, “Jesus himself is the Kingdom; the kingdom is not a thing, it is not a geographical dominion like worldly kingdoms. It is a person; it is he.” 

Homework

That person resides in us and calls us. Luke reported in the Acts of the Apostles that the early Christians were committed to praying together and breaking bread. Maybe in those early days of the church it was enough, but today, Jesus’ call should not be limited to working and praying with those who share our same belief. We are called to share his message and to heal and pray with all people, especially the sick, the lonely, poor and forgotten. It is our mission.