From the Deacon's Desk

Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. (Matthew 10:1)

EXTRAORDINARY: I think it is important for us to remember that the apostles of Jesus were ordinary men. They were not chosen because they were special or had unique talents. They were ordinary men who were willing to answer the call of Jesus Christ – and do extraordinary things. When Jesus said, “Follow me,” they dropped their fishing nets, left their fields, or stepped away from their lucrative tax collecting jobs and followed Him.

We know the rest of the story. The apostles doubted, they questioned, they denied, and they lacked faith. All the while, Jesus loved them and called them His own.

Jesus calls us, ordinary people, to follow Him as well – to do extraordinary things. He understands that we are sinners, broken people who doubt and lack faith at times. In spite of that, Jesus offers us extraordinary love and calls us His own.

May we, and all ordinary people, have the courage to accept the authority He offers us. In so doing, we serve as witnesses to others who may be doubting their own ability to respond to the love of Jesus Christ. We are capable of extraordinary things because of the extraordinary love of Jesus.