Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual help | July 11, 2021
“Jesus summoned the Twelve
and began to send them out two by two
and gave them authority over unclean spirits.”
– Mark 6:7
Summer Greetings!
As a nation, we value entrepreneurial initiatives, and I, too, have deep admiration for those who have started businesses. My respect aside, I doubt I fully understand all the challenges of getting a new business off the ground. Like the uncertainty of knowing if rent or operating expenses will be met each month, or ultimately if the business idea or product will be well received. Despite my unfamiliarity with these things, I’d imagine that quality control over development and services rests firmly with the company owner in the start-up phase, even if this extra control translates into putting in long hours to get things done just right. However, as any business grows, the owner can’t do everything, so proper employee training is critical, especially when the opportunity to expand arrives. After all, employees may not share a founder’s vision and or commitment to quality. So during these growth periods, expectations probably need adjusting while new employees learn the right skills and gain on-the-job experience while learning from their fellow employees.
In many ways, after gathering his core disciples, Jesus had to do the same when he knew it was time to expand his mission. Aware he couldn’t be present to everyone searching for God, seeking wisdom, in need of healing, or community, Christ takes the time to train his core team leading by example. Jesus performs miracles, teaches through memorable stories, and brings healing and forgiveness to all those in need. Jesus didn’t hide his “failures,” during the training process either; remember, in last week’s Gospel, when Christ didn’t make an impact in his hometown. Fast forward to today’s Gospel, now done with their on-the-job preparation; Jesus offers a few last-minute instructions to his departing twelve, which could be boiled down to Keep it Simple. They should never forget, as should we, that any authority given is grounded in the Lord and our strength depends undoubtedly on Christ.
To this day, Christ still sends out disciples to fulfill the mission he started. Has the quality of execution dropped? Well, the Church continues to struggle – keeping all the affiliates and franchises offering the real deal: the Lord Jesus Christ, pure and simple. No imitations, no substitutions. Still, Jesus has an abiding interest in maintaining an exceptional quality of his ministry while promising his grace in support for our efforts.
Inspired by this, as disciples, we ought to encourage one another to use our gifts and talents – and in maintaining exceptional quality control, we are genuinely helping people encounter the Lord. OLPH parish remains committed to improving in that spirit, but that will require all of us to work together. As parish life expands, we need leaders in the form of inspired parishioners grounded in the Lord to resume or begin various ministries around the campus. Including liturgical and musical ministries, outreach and service to the poor and lonely, catechesis and ministry with our children and youth, small faith groups, committees, and perhaps most importantly, fill some holes in small groups. If you would like to explore ways to serve in ministry, please reach out to us HERE We appreciate and need your service in ministry and promise to “keep it simple” as we recognize that Christ has already supplied the vision and authority to deliver upon his mission,
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Rev. Michael S. Triplett