This week Jesus sends his disciples out two-by-two to spread the good news. When you hear the phrase two-by-two, you might have recalled this line in Noah and the great flood. Noah’s mission by God was to repopulate the Earth and God would make a new covenant with Noah. God would establish a holy family. This family would expand to one, holy tribe, a holy nation, a holy kingdom, and then one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic church. Collaboration was needed by each person and family to spread the word of God. They also needed to listen to what God was telling them and to trust in him for growth to occur. When the chosen people (Israelites) did not listen to the Lord, tragedy befell them. This happens to us as well when we decide to not follow our Lord’s commandments. We find ourselves suffering from the consequences of our actions.
We are living part of God’s mission. We are missionary disciples who are part of the one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic mission. How are we to go out and collaborate effectively in the spirit of two-by-two to evangelize the world? Jesus provides us with a framework. First, Jesus has spent time in open communication with his disciples training and preparing them. Jesus fostered an environment where they could ask questions and he would explain his parables. Second, Jesus prayed. He taught his disciples how to pray by example and by teaching them how to pray to the Father. Third, Jesus led them by example. He did not teach by word, but he taught through action. He taught by showing humility, forgiveness, including sinners and the outcasts, healing the sick, and lifting up the lowly. Fourth, he spent time alone with his students, so they could have time together to develop a bond. This bond developed with getting to know one another and sharing experiences. This led to the development of the fifth step, TRUST! Jesus instilled trust with his disciples and trust in God. This trust was tested when he sent them out without food, money, a second tunic, bags, or food. They trusted in the Lord to provide for them on their journey and they accomplished great works of healing as well as freeing people from demons. When they returned to Jesus, they realized their needs were met and they lacked nothing.
This framework can be used today since our mission is the same as the disciples in this week’s Gospel. When we come together by twos, in groups, or by organizations, we can follow Jesus’ way. The way he shows us through open communication (with emphasis on listening), prayer, leading by example, building time for bonding (fellowship) and ultimately trust. This framework is vital especially now as we have entered into our family of parishes. This is our challenge and mission for which we were baptized. Happy collaborating!
