We Stand Before God

We Stand Before God 

What will we bring with us the moment our life is asked of us?  Of course the answer must be what each one has in their heart.  The question of how many rosaries we prayed or how many Masses we attended will not become an issue.  It surely will not be let me see your bank account.  All the sacramentals we were involved with are tools to assist each one in learning to become one with each other.  Jesus could have chosen one person to share his ministry but the effort would have fallen flat since that one could only reach one soul at a time.  Even the 12 could not reach far enough and fast enough to spread the good news about Jesus and the love of His Father unless the numbers grew.  We even read where Jesus sent 72 in pairs of two to every town and place he intended to visit.  “He said to them, the harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.  Go on your way; behold I am sending you like lambs among wolves.”  (Lk. 10: 1 - 3).  

You may have heard that If a business magnate was gathering disciples in the 21st century in the same manner that Jesus did, the business would fail by modern statutes.  However, Jesus used the one rule for organizing, he called on many persons to reach out to the masses to spread his news of salvation.  The twelve get all the credit, but the workers must have grown by thousands rather quickly.  When we were called to Holy Orders, it was not as a reward for church involvement that our calling was perpetrated, it was for work with very little renumeration.  Even Bishops do not get salaries to compete with their counterparts in secular positions.  In fact, with some of the recent scandals that office might not be one too many would seek.  This could be the term “sending you like lambs before wolves”.  

One statement Jesus declares is, “Into whatever house you enter, first say, Peace to this household.”  If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.”  

(Lk. 10: 5 - 6).  

“Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.  Yet know this; the kingdom of God is at hand.  I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.”  (Lk. 10: 10 12).  

As we enter through the gate of heaven, your mission of spreading the gospel is what we shall carry and place before our judgement.  We like the 72 are messengers without credit in payment, but what Jesus said; “Well done, my good and faithful servant .  Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.  Come share your master’s joy.”  (Mt. 14: 21). 

Ralph B. Hathaway, Share your master’s joy!