Monday, January 24
And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons.
—Mark 3:14-15
During this past holiday, I received a card from a friend who pictures his family in creative and humorous settings every year, sending season's greetings through the messages and pictures. This year his theme was television "reality shows."
As I looked through the multi-paged delight, I thought about the nature of such TV shows that create "stars" of those chosen from the viewing audience. And it seemed to me that these programs are a reflection of a culture that is not satisfied with being onlookers. We want to take part and have a say in things.
And so it was with the ministry of Jesus. Jesus appointed twelve apostles to go out and do the work of "the Church." He told them to go from town to town and tell everyone who would listen about the love of God and the gifts and duties of those who wished to receive that love. He even gave them authority to heal.
In the Church today, it is not just the ordained minister or head pastor that does Jesus' work in the world. We are the Church. It is we who visit the sick, listen to those with troubles, give to the poor. Some of us even take the sacraments to the homes of shut-ins.
Even with Moses it was the same. After serving his many people alone for some time, he asked God to give him some help. And God led him to appoint seventy "elders" who would take up some of the burden, responsibility and privilege of serving the people.
We are Jesus' servants; we are His arms and ears, His eyes and heart. What a great joy and privilege. By our feeding of others we are fed. We are the Church.
Lord, help me to find and carry out the ministries you have for me to do. Amen.
These Signposts originally appeared on explorefaith in 2007.
