Word to the Wise
Thursday, February 4, 2010 - Thursday in the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12 and Mark 6:7-12]So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
In a few days, I will begin a "parish mission" at a parish in Abilene, TX. This is a kind of "renewal-retreat-revival" event that takes place over a period of three days, sometimes four. The fundamental themes hinge around baptismal commitment, forgiveness, and healing. The last service usually features the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The emphasis, however, is not simply on those who have some physical or emotional condition that cries out for the sacramental attention of the church. There is also the baptismal challenge to be preachers, reconcilers and healers. So, I often conclude the mission with a non-sacramental but symbolic "anointing for mission." My hope is that the ministry I do will become the ministry of those in the pew! The charge that Jesus gave to the Twelve does not stop with them. Our baptismal commitment identifies us with the priestly, prophetic and "king-ly" ministry of Jesus. Ordination is not required for preaching the gospel to the world around us or reaching out to those in pain and sorrow. Forgiveness is a fundamental Christian obligation! If all Christians (in particular, we Catholics) took our baptism more seriously, I think our church would become a very different reality!!!! AMEN
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