Jesus sent out these Twelve

Jesus shows that he has power over demons by curing the dumb demoniac. Now, he shares this power with his Twelve disciples, giving them authority over unclean spirits and to cure every illness.

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The Twelve will be called “Apostles” because they will be “sent” (Greek apostellō, “to send”) to the villages and towns of Israel, and in the “great commissioning” after Jesus’ resurrection, to Samaria, the pagan nations, and the whole world (Mt 28:19).

“Twelve” recalls the twelve tribes of Israel. The Twelve are important in the reconstitution of the “new Israel”—that is, the believing community gathered in Jesus’ name. After Jesus’ ascension, they act as leaders and point persons of the community.

Today, missionaries and evangelists are called to go forth and proclaim the Gospel, as the Apostles did, with courage, enthusiasm, boldness, and fervor under the power of the Holy Spirit.

Pope Francis writes, “In fidelity to the example of the Master, it is vitally important for the Church today to go forth and preach the Gospel to all: to all places, on all occasions, without hesitation, reluctance, or fear. The joy of the Gospel is for all people: no one can be excluded” (Evangelii Gaudium, 23).

First Reading • Gn 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a