11^th Sunday of Ordinary Time (A); June 18, 2023

Ex 19:2-6a.  Ps. 100.  Rom 5:6-11.  Mt 9:36-10:8

Deacon Jim McFadden

            This Sunday we are again faced with the themes of call and discipleship.  Today’s readings involve a slightly different perspective in which the demands of discipleship lead to being sent: to be an apostle.

            But, first let’s look at the initial stage of being called.  Normally, when we consider that someone is being called to do an important task, we think that they are better than most; that they are deserving of the selection.   When God chooses someone, however, it’s not because that person is superior to others but that person can be useful in advancing God’s purposes.  Today’s reading from Exodus 19 sets the stage of God’s self-manifestation to Moses on Mount Sinai and the giving of the Ten Commandments and the forging of God’s covenant with Israel.  Israel was weak compared to the more powerful Egyptians and they were vulnerable as witnessed to their years of oppression.    But, God chose them to be his “special possession” and promises to make them a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Ex 19:5-6) as he carries them away from danger.  God called them into covenant, and it was that relationship with God that made it special because Israel would be the means by which salvation would come into the world.

            Since they are God’s special possession, the Psalmist calls Israel to worship God in the Jerusalem temple.  That’s what a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” does: they give God proper glory and praise.  And, following the “special possession” theme, Psalm 100 is permeated by a strong sense of God’s loving care for his people “as the flock he tends.”  It affirms that God is good and that his kindness endures forever.  The God worshiped at the Temple loves and cares for his people.  The people are special not because they are good, but because they are loved, which is why it is fitting and just to give God praise and glory.

            Being called to do God’s will, being formed through right praise and worship, leads to being sent which we see on full display in today’s Gospel.  Jesus has gathered around him disciples, but when he delegates and commissions them, he turns the Twelve into apostles, “one sent.”  When they are named, it reminds me of a scene from Howard Hawks’ classic film Red River (1948) starring John Wayne in perhaps his best role.  When the cattle drive is about to begin, the camera focuses on each cowboy who screams out, “YIHA!”  Then the drive begins. I see the naming of the Twelve as focusing on each individual disciple, singling them out as a significant player in helping to bring about the Kingdom of God.  If they could, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon from Cana and even  Judas Iscariot would leap out of the Gospel pages and cry, “YIHA!” 

            Why the exuberance?  It’s the same with us.  We should be joyful.  Why?  By virtue of our baptism, we have been made God’s special people as we’ve been anointed as priest, prophet, and king to carry out Jesus’ Mission of baptizing all nations in the “name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” and to proclaim the Good News of Salvation.  The Twelve want to give as they have been given.  They have experienced God’s lavish love and life in Jesus and their hearts burn to share this divine grace with people who have never experienced it.  They are giving to others what they have already received.  That’s why they were exuberant, zealous, and highly motivated to be the face of Christ to others. 

        As members of the apostolic Church, we’re called to do the same.  So, we become the healing touch of Christ in the world.  We must comfort those who mourn, bring back those who are in the grip of despair, embrace those who have been marginalized or ostracized by society, drive out anger and fear and hatred.  We must be peacemakers healing the rifts beginning with our families and reaching out to our society which is so fragmented and polarized.  Through our baptism and confirmation, we have been reconciled to God so that others can be reconciled through us.  The kingdom of God has been opened to us; now we must lead others into it with us.  That’s why we let loose with a full throated exclamation:  “YIHA!” Amen.