by Fr. Gregory-David Jones, O.S.B.

       Proclaim the Kingdom.  Cure the sick.  Raise the dead.  Cleanse the leper.  Cast out demons.  These are all things that Jesus did during his lifetime on earth and it was through his authority that he told the twelve disciples to do the same – starting with the lost sheep of Israel.  This was power he had given to them specifically as his representatives during that time and passed on through history in the Church through the sacrament of Holy Orders.  However, the mission of Christ’s ministry is a responsibility that all the baptized are called to not simply “do”, but to share in.

     In one way or another and various extents, we all received (or have received in principle) the benefits of the mission of Jesus through the sacraments and the other gifts given by Christ to his Church.  Oftentimes, we think only of these ministries exclusive to the ministerial priesthood, but this is far from the truth.  Every Catholic is called to receive the gifts offered to us through the sacraments for our own personal growth as disciples.  But it is also through the sacraments of Initiation, we are all called to “go out” and boldly – courageously proclaim the Kingdom of God.  By being active members of the Body of Christ, we share the gifts of the sacraments as we welcome, love, forgive, bring healing and inspiration to others in our families and communities.

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