“I must proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God to other towns too, because that is what I was sent to do.” This was the response of Jesus to the people who wanted to prevent him from leaving them. His response emphasizes His commitment to the duty His Father assigned to him. He would not be distracted by anything or anyone from accomplishing his task, which was to heal our wounded world by preaching the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
In the gospel narrative of today, the evangelist Matthew talked about the series of healings Jesus did, as he was moving from town to town. He first healed Peter’s mother-in-law of fever. At sunset of the same day, he healed people suffering from all kinds of diseases. He expelled demons from those they oppressed. This was His mission, namely, “to proclaim good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Lk. 4:18). Put in a simple language, He is sent to heal a broken and wounded world. For this reason, “He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil” (Acts 10:38).
Despair
Selfishness, hate, betrayal and oppression have greatly lacerated the human world. This situation has driven many people into a state of hopelessness, fear, distrust, depression, and despair. The mission of Jesus is to heal these wounded souls and restore our broken world. It is His mission to transform the world into a kingdom of peace and joy: “your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.” However, He would need collaborators to accomplish this task. He, therefore, calls all to His discipleship.
Missionary Team
Whoever answers His call and joins His missionary team, accepts to actively participate in bringing the good news to the poor, binding the wounds of the brokenhearted, freeing captives of fear and despair, and giving freedom to prisoners of hopelessness. Members of this team are not necessarily required to become formal preachers of the Word or church workers. They do not need to travel to other states and nations to fulfill their missionary duties. They are only required to bloom where they are planted, to heal their little part of the wounded world.
We have different professions and engagements in life. Some are parents, whose first little community is their family. Others are teachers, while some are students. Some are employees, while some are entrepreneurs. There are police officers. Some are immigration officials. Some work in the defense department. While some are politicians, some work in the judicial system and some are businesspersons.
Let the Gospel Light Shine
These and more are the different areas of life the followers of Christ find themselves. The Lord wants them to preach the good news to the poor, bind broken hearts and liberate the oppressed in these areas of their assignments. He calls them to let the gospel light shine through these places into the villages and towns they live by always lending a helping hand to those in need; giving hope and encouragement; serving so that others would be happy and blessing others through all kinds of support. In the words of the songwriters Bobby Austin/Curt Sapaugh, “You’ve got to try a little kindness. Yes, show a little kindness. Just shine your light for everyone to see.” This is the only way we can heal our wounded world.
The mouthpiece of the “gods” have spoken. Thank you padre.