Weekly HOMILY for July 12, 2009: Naming and Claiming Disciples: 3 Points to Ponder

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B
Our Lady of Grace
July 12, 2009

Naming and Claiming Disciples: 3 Points to Ponder
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato


The Three Calls

In Mark’s Gospel Jesus calls his Disciples to ministry three different times.

Each time he adds a new dimension to their call.

The examples are when he first call them away from being fishermen, then he calls them to preach and exercise authority, finally, he sends them forth two by two.

Over those events he has named and claimed them.

This sense of being called and chosen is very striking in the Baptismal Rite we often hear at Mass. Parents are asked: “What name have you chosen to give your child?” Once “named” by the parents, the child is then “claimed” for Christ, as the priest makes the sign of the cross on his/her forehead, and invites parents and godparents to do the same.


The First Point: Not Their Work, But God’s

True, in baptism we have all been “named”; we have all been “claimed” for Christ, and there are three points that are key to the Apostles’ being “named” and “claimed” that can give meaning to our own lives as followers of Jesus.

The first is that the Apostles are doing not their own work, but God’s work. They have not only been “claimed” for Christ, but they have been drawn into a venture that belongs to Christ.

They are not simply following Jesus’ directions. No, they are empowered by his very Spirit. It is Jesus himself that is acting in and through them.

So what is your “work”? What are your activities in which Christ is acting in and through you?

For starters there’s your marriage. Then there are your primary relationships within your family, place of work, or neighborhood.

Yes, in the messiness of your life and mine, in the broken relationships, in the struggles to love, overlook, or forgive someone, Jesus is acting through you.

And when things are getting you down in these activities? When you don’t know where to turn? Remember it’s not your work, but Christ’s!

After you’ve given it your best shot and it’s still not working, just try turning it over to him.


The Second Point: Travel Light

The second key point of being “named” and “claimed” for Christ is Jesus’ recommendation that his followers travel light, real light. They are to dispense with extra food, clothing and money.

Now for Jesus traveling light is not a question of asceticism or sacrifice as much as it is a question of simplicity and trust.

His Disciples are to be working, not primarily with the contents of their purses, but with their inner resources.

In essence Jesus is saying, “You have what it takes; it will be given you. Just go and get on with it.”

I know a woman who has read every self-help and parenting book that Amazon carries. Only gradually has she come to realize that she could have written them herself.

She had to learn to go down into the well of her own wisdom, to trust the resources offered her by the Spirit to her own inner being.

You have that same Spirit feeding your inner being; listen for it and when you hear it, trust it.


The Third Point: We Are Sent in Twos

Finally, Jesus calls the twelve and begins to send them out two by two, not alone notice, but in pairs. He seems to sense that the greatest asset to a disciple is another disciple.

Isn’t that true of all of us? Isn’t your greatest source of strength and faith the person walking beside you whether it’s raising a child, completing a project, learning how to pray or water ski or crochet?

We need to consciously nurture our partnerships, support and embrace them as effective ways to be Christ for others, enhance the work we do together.

Having a partner, a soul mate, a companion is such a blessing. Jesus knows that in sending his Disciples out not as Lone Rangers but in pairs.


Conclusion

Yes, each of us has been “named” and “claimed” for Christ. Four points that can give meaning to our lives as his followers:
➢ What we do is God’s work
➢ Travel light and trust you’ll get what you need
➢ Expect setbacks
➢ Your greatest asset is a fellow believer

Happy traveling!