Jesus called his Twelve disciples to him, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out, and to heal every disease and sickness.
Jesus sent these Twelve on mission, with the instructions: “Do not visit pagan territory and do not enter a Samaritan town. Go, instead, to the lost sheep of the people of Israel.
Go, and proclaim this message: The kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, cleanse the lepers, and drive out demons. Freely have you received, freely give.
REFLECTION:
Isaiah‘s prophecy gives so much hope to the people waiting for the coming of the promised Messiah. He told his people that God will heal and comfort the people in their weeping and the land in its dryness. He assures them that God is merciful. Advent brings this hope to all who are waiting for the Lord.
Isaiah prophesied the messiah as a healer. The gospel today shows us how Jesus was healing. He did not only preach about the kingdom but “he cured every sickness and diseases.“ He made the experience the reign of God through His healing, coming not from the power He received, but, out of compassion and love of a shepherd‘s heart. Jesus wants to gather all the scattered people. This is the reason for His coming and dwelling among.
Jesus shared His power to His apostles to “drive the unclean spirits, heal the sick, raise the dead, clean the lepers.“ The power is not their own personal possession nor to hoard it for their own use. They were instructed: “Freely you received, freely give.“ The gift of one is a gift for everyone. They have to use their power especially for the lost, the last and the least. Jesus is our greatest gift. Let us share Him to others.