Gospel LK 9:1-6
Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases,
and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God
and to heal the sick.
He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey,
neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money,
and let no one take a second tunic.
Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there.
And as for those who do not welcome you,
when you leave that town,
shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.”
Then they set out and went from village to village
proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.
Reflection:
“Proclaim the Kingdom of God…..”
The Kingdom of God resides, grows, and spreads through the hearts of those who believe in Him.
Like the “twelve”, we are called to “proclaim the Kingdom of God” through our actions.
We each have the opportunity and the amazing privilege to serve as God’s answer to the prayers of those who, in their troubles and suffering, turn to Jesus Christ for help.
– It’s three o’clock on a cold December morning. Maria is awake, huddled on the kitchen floor, with her children sleeping next to her covered in blankets. She has little food and no money for heating oil. Her thoughts go to the notice from the power company, saying her electric will be shut off unless she pays the three months owed. Christmas is only weeks away, but she cannot let herself think about that now. She cries…and she prays, “God, help me. Please God, help me.”
What does God do when He hears the cry of Maria?
He holds his breath……He looks around….and He says, “I know…I’ll send you!”
– – – – – – – – – – – –
Who is Maria?
She is one of the thousands of invisible poor who surround us. They live in our towns, many times, right in our own neighborhoods. Yes, even upscale neighborhoods.
We don’t see her, because out of shame and embarrassment, she tries very hard to be invisible.
Come, join us! Be your sister’s or brother’s keeper.
Come, “Proclaim the Kingdom of God” through your actions.

“The poor around us are often invisible….they aren’t in our same “networks.” They aren’t in the same gatherings, They don’t belong to councils or committees, They don’t always go to church (and if they do, they try hard not to look poor). They don’t bump into us at the mall or supermarket.” Bishop Kenneth E. Untener