On Jesus sending his Apostles to announce the Gospel

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Monday

1st Point. "And Jesus went about all the cities and towns, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity.  And seeing the multitudes, he had compassion on them: because they were distressed, and lying like sheep that have no shepherd.  Then he saith to his disciples: the harvest is indeed great, but the labourers are few.  Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth labourers into his harvest." (Matt., ix. 35, et seq) "And he called the twelve; and began to send them two and two." (Mark vi. 7)  Admire the tender compassion and ardent zeal with which the heart of Jesus burns to console and save mankind. This charitable shepherd beholding his flock dispersed by discord, and errors, descended from heaven to gather these strayed sheep, and lead them back to the fold.  His intense desire to save unbelievers allows him no repose.  When you are attacked by temptation, cast yourself into the arms of this good  shepherd: he will not reject you.

2nd Point. The Son of God animated the hearts of his disciples with zeal for the salvation of souls.  Dispose yourself by prayer to labour usefully, and to draw down these graces necessary for success.  To God it belongs to send labourers.  Nevertheless he requires that you pray, in order to teach you the power and efficacy of prayer.  He awaited the prayer of St. Stephen to give St. Paul to the church.  St. Augustine was converted through the prayers and tears of St. Monica.  Doubt not that he awaits your prayers also in order to bless your labours.  The workmen he requires are those of whom the Psalmist speaks: "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." ( Ps., cxxv. 5)

3rd Point. "He called the twelve:" A particular vocation and extraordinary grace are necessary to undertake a work that is all divine.  "And began to send them two and two, " exercising them in mutual charity and humility; and also that each might have a guardian of his conduct.  "He gave them power over unclean spirits, and cast them out, and to heal all manner of diseases, and all manner of infirmities." (Matt. x.1) The rebel angels would exalt themselves even to the throne of divinity; God casts them down beneath the feet of twelve poor fishermen, who receive power over them.  Jesus Christ confers on his Apostles the power of healing not only corporal but spiritual maladies.  He encourages them saying, "Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid." (John, xiv. 27.)  Have confidence in me.