Dear Friends,

One of the requirements for graduation from college was to do an internship. They say "Experience is the best Teacher". There is an old saying that goes like this, "Giving me a fish would feed me for one day, but teaching me to fish would feed me for life." As we open our Gospel for this Sunday, we see that Jesus is giving the disciples the opportunity to put into practice what he has been modeling for them. He is sending them out to minister.

First, Jesus sent them out two by two. This team approach works the best. As we pair up, we find someone who compliments us; someone who is strong in an area where we are weak. When one gets down or discouraged, the other picks her/him up. It is teamwork.

Jesus gave them authority over evil spirits. The disciples had the power, because Jesus himself had given it to them. We have authority today, because Jesus gives us the authority. Our power comes only from Him, and Him alone.

These were his instructions; take nothing for your journey, except, a walking stick, the shoes on your feet, don't take food, don't take an extra coat, or extra shoes, take no money. Why did Jesus tell them this? When we go on a trip, we always pack, and most of us over pack. What Jesus was telling the disciples is this, very simply, God would provide for your physical needs. This is a step of faith for them. Any time we take a step into the unknown, trusting God and his providence, it's a step of faith. Faith is going ahead when we don't have it in our pocket.

Jesus told them, 'if anyone rejects your message, shake the dust off your shoes and move on.' Sometimes, we need to move on. Don't feel guilty about it or don't take offense at them. Not everyone is ready for the message. Nothing is forced upon people. It simply means we move on to the next person who might be the person more in need.

The disciples did as Jesus instructed them, and they went out and preached repentance, and drove out many demons, and many people were healed by them. All this became possible for them only because there was tremendous faith placed in the person of Jesus.

Today I see a similar situation in our parish. Fr. Tarantino has given the authority to the "12" members of the Parish council to work on 'Parish Phone Survey', 'Parish Leadership Workshop', 'Parish Survey "ME25"', and 'Parish Town Hall Meeting'. The only difference is this: instead of sending them, he is keeping them here and he has sent away himself. Still, what is expected of us is the same as in today's gospel. That is, "Placing our trust in Jesus and also in our beloved Pastor, we work as a community towards a "Fully Engaged Parish". God bless us all.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Lawrence