St. Leo Mangin, S.J. and Companions, martyrs
Mt 10: 1-7
Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved. http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translations
Completing God’s Work
I Imagine my name in this list of twelve; David, the son of Bill and Betty. What unclean spirits might I meet this day which need expulsion, perhaps some which reside right within me? Who will I be with today and what disease or illness might need curing?
Do I trust that Jesus really does call me to complete his work in the world today, just as he did with the apostles two thousand years ago? Do I trust that he really does give me the power to heal and cast out demons.
Have not I experienced healing through the words and actions of others? Have not my own demons been cast out by the grace of God delivered through family and friends?
We do find God in all things! God is at work in the world today! God creates us for a purpose, Jesus calls us to complete his work and the Holy Spirit inspires us with wisdom and love! Go forth and set the world on fire!
—David McNulty works for the Midwest Jesuits. Dave and his wife Judy are grandparents of six.
Prayer
Lord, I do trust that you call me to continue the work you began with Peter, John, Andrew, and the rest of the apostles. Don’t let me miss the opportunity to listen well, to offer help, to sacrifice my time and treasure where your will calls me. I expect to make a difference today since you are my guide, my shield, my faithful God.
—The Jesuit Prayer Team