The sending of His disciples out on mission ahead of Him is an evidence of Jesus' modus operandi - not to do everything Himself but to share out the work. In contemporary language, this translates to words like "delegation," "collaboration," "co-responsibility," and most appropriately for the Church today, "synodality." What are the key aspects of this missionary endeavour?

The first is the type of work entrusted to the disciples: Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. These speak of the liberation of the human person from some kind of imprisonment from the darkness of sin and captivity. The second is the motivation for doing this work: not fame or fortune, but simply gratitude translated into replicating the goodness one has received from God. The third concerns the preparation for the mission: nothing that suggests logical planning for any eventuality, but simply trust in the providence of God. The fourth points to those ministered to: not the hostile and unhospitable, but the person of peace who welcomes the peace of a stranger, and gives him food and lodging in gratitude for the ministering received. To the places and people who reject the missionary, a counter rejection is performed through the shaking of the dust off the feet of the missionary. Let us reflect on each of these points and consider how we may approach this day as Christ sends us afresh into the world.