4 Feb 2016
One reason we remember our history is that it gives us a
sense of identity and belonging. We
might look at our family history, or the parish history. Maybe the history of America and what it
means to be an American. Or we might
look at the first disciples and Apostles as a reminder of who we are as
Christians.
Jesus summoned them and sent them. And they did wonderful and good things—not by
their own power, but by Christ who lived in their minds and souls. And that’s fundamentally who we are. We, too, are summoned by Christ. We let him into our minds and hearts. And he sends us out.
But, you know, the world has changed. We’re still a people sent on mission; but the
mission field has changed—dramatically.
Two thousand years ago nobody had ever heard of Jesus. Today, however, his name is all over the
place . . . and the name of Jesus carries a lot of baggage.
Just think of all the killings—past and present—done “in the
name of God.” Think of how Jesus’ name
has been tarnished by, say, Christian Fundamentalists, or by Christian hypocrites
who judge others and condemn others and say they’re going to hell . . . all in
the name of Jesus. And how many friends
or family members do we know who’ve been shamed or put down by a well-meaning,
but very misdirected Christian . . . and have written off God and the Church
because of it?
The very name of Jesus carries a lot of baggage—but it’s the
name and the person we’re entrusted to share with others. And that underscores the importance of being
an authentic disciple of Christ; a
disciple who speaks and acts on his behalf . . . from a place of humility and
prayer. A disciple who speaks and acts
with gentleness, with truth, with compassion.
If we fail to represent Jesus faithfully, people should reject us and the message we bring—because it isn’t Christ
we bring; it’s something else.
We’re very much like the Apostles: summoned and sent. And even though we have an uphill climb, we
can still do good things . . . by being authentic
disciples of Jesus—just like our ancestors, the Apostles.
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