Saturday of the first week of Advent: Today's Readings
Jesus gave the disciples quite the to-do list in today's Gospel! If I were a disciple, I'd have a few clarifying questions before I departed from Jesus. First, how will I find these people to cure or will they find me? How far should I travel? When and where should I return? What if someone doesn't believe in you, Jesus? Oh, and how exactly am I supposed to cure people and drive out demons?
Many times, I want to know all the details to God's plan. Part of it is because I'm detailed and organized. But another element is that I want to make sure I get it right. I don't want to screw up the mission God has for me.
My husband and I have an 11 year old foster son. He is smart, funny, energetic and kind. But he cannot do anything without asking a hundred questions! He wants to make sure every step is done correctly and that we approve. We are trying to teach him how to be independent and that it's okay to take risks, even fail. Lately, we've been giving him a time limit - "You try this for five minutes all by yourself. Do the best you can. Then I'll check in."
I think this is what God wants from us. He gives us this mission and knows our desire to please him. But he wants us to try things, to be independent, to learn and to grow. Yes, we should constantly walk with God and ask questions in prayer. God's silence isn't a lack of presence, but him watching, quietly cheering us on as we learn to do things ourselves. As I'm sure teachers can verify, the lesson isn't always about the right outcome, but the process it took to get there.
With this in mind, what mission has God given you? Why do you think God gifted you with this mission? What lesson do you think he hopes you learn? How does your mission help others?
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