First Saturday in Advent

Isaiah 30:19-21,23-26; Psalm 147:1-12; Matthew 9:35-10:1,5-8

In 12-Step programs there is a saying: the program isn’t for those who need it, it’s for those who want it.  I thought of that saying reading today’s Gospel.

Jesus has compassion on the crowds who are ”harassed and helpless.”  He sends out twelve disciples with instructions to go to the “lost sheep” of Israel.  (He hasn’t yet seen the full potential of his mission; that comes in chapter 15.)  They are to proclaim the good news and work wonders as Jesus has.  It sounds promising.

At the end of his instructions, though, after what we read, Jesus acknowledges that not all will welcome the news.  When that happens, the apostles are to shake off the dust from their feet and get out of town (10:14).  He knows that just as he has met spiritual blindness and deafness, so his disciples will as well.  His compassion leads him to extend the mission, but he knows that he can’t force the results.

A friend of ours says, “God is not codependent.”  God will not force us to change.  Many of us will choose to live our lives harassed and helpless, rather than do the hard work of coming to awareness.  Others will do their best, but will have to plow through old programming and habits to really get the good news.  And some, by the grace of God, will break through to joy.  I don’t have any idea how some of us break through and some can’t hear; I just pray to break through, and to carry the message.

The Gospel isn’t for those who need it.  We all need the news of God’s love and power, however they come.  The Gospel is for those who want it.  That sounds harsh, doesn’t it?  It’s not.  It’s just how it is.  

Pray today to receive the good news, however it comes.  Pray to be healed, which means to acknowledge your need for healing.  Pray that your life may be a witness to others of what God can do.  Pray for those who suffer, that they might find the way.  And remember, you are not alone.  You are part of a band of disciples, sent on behalf of one whose love is inextinguishable.

And as you go, “When you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21).  God be with you.