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     Once a charismatic leader gathers followers, there comes a time when these followers have to spread out and begin to proclaim the message and recruit new members.  Today's passage from the Gospel According to Matthew records that moment in Jesus' ministry.  Scripture scholars point out that the number "twelve" has significance because it may reflect the historic twelve tribes of Israel.  This is part of the prominent "Jewish" focus of the evangelist Matthew.  Jesus is a "new Moses" who is sent to gather the twelve tribes into one holy people.  Indeed, when one looks at the list of the Twelve, many of them fit the description of "lost sheep of the house of Israel."  He sends these disciples out and in doing so they gain the title of "apostle" which means someone who is sent on a mission.  Their mission is confined to Jewish locations and their powers do not include teaching.  They will be able to do this after Jesus' death and resurrection when they know fully the meaning of Jesus' mission.  

     It can be a frightening thing to take on the responsibility of proclaiming the kingdom of heaven!  I can remember well my feelings when I first preached publicly!  When I was a pastor in San Antonio, we sent out parishioners in teams of two to find out how many Catholics were living in the territory of the parish.  When these teams returned with their stories, they all said it was not an experience they wanted to repeat!!!  This attitude can put a crimp in getting the message of Jesus Christ to those who need it!  The job is not just for those of us who are ordained or members of religious orders.  Every baptized person has this responsibility.  In the days ahead we will be on mission with Jesus and his disciples in the scriptures, but when we leave the church building or finish reading this reflection, we then enter mission territory!  AMEN