Good News ReflectionWednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary TimeOctober 18, 2006
The 4 stages of apostleship
Today's Feast: St. Luke the Evangelisthttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/Luke.htmToday's Readings:2 Tim 4:10-17bPs 145:10-13, 17-18Luke 10:1-9http://www.usccb.org/nab/101806.shtml

Reflection: The 4 stages of apostleshipIn today's Gospel reading, Jesus sends his disciples forth as evangelizers. It's our mission, too; it's the mission of the Church. We who are the Church are sent forth as evangelizers at the end of every Mass. The priest, speaking for Jesus, empowers us with the words, "Go forth to love and serve the Lord and each other." Or, as in this Gospel verse: "Go on your way!" We're sent out to make a difference in the world, in whatever capacity we can, in our homes, workplaces, recreation, etc.The Greek word for "sent forth" evolved into the word "apostle", i.e., a disciple sent by the teacher to do the work that the teacher assigns. Our apostolates are assignments from Jesus to use whatever gifts we have, with whatever we've learned, and wherever we find ourselves. We all have apostolates!There are four stages of apostleship.

First is PREPARATION, when we are discipled and disciplined by Jesus. We learn from the hardships of life. We discover what empassions us. We mature in the recognition of and use of our gifts and talents.

Next is INVOLVEMENT, when we become active in ministry. Even before our preparations are finished, we start using our gifts and passions and newly gained wisdom in the service of God.Then, if we're serious about responding to Christ's call and if we truly desire to be effective apostles, we enter into

TESTING. We experience trials that challenge us where we're called to serve, like gold purified in fire. For some, it's the "dark night of the soul" and it could continue for years.For example, we find ourselves in difficult relationships that challenge us to love and forgive more sacrificially. Our ministries might be interrupted by obstacles that challenge our trust in God and stretch our ability to discern where he's leading us.

If we don't run from these challenges or quit for the sake of an easier life, we're ready for the fourth stage:SIGNIFICANT INVOLVEMENT, when we're useful enough to make a huge difference and we reach our full potential.

For whatever stage you've reached, here's my "Prayer to Become God's Instrument" as a true apostle:

O, my heavenly Father,
I give all of my life to youin the name of Your Son, my Lord Jesus Christ,
and through the power of Your Holy Spirit.
I choose to follow wherever Your Son leads me.I want to help others find their way into Your kingdom.
I want to serve others so that they can experience Your love.
Send me.
Use my talents, my resources, my time, my experiences,my hurts, my spiritual growthand everything You have given me.
Send me.Help me to love all people unconditionallyto reveal the true nature of Jesus to them.
Today, and every day, help me to decreaseso that You may increase in me.
Help me to love purely, humbly, and generously.
Show me how to receive more of Your love so that I may have more love to give.
Heal me of every obstacle that holds me back from serving You.
I give You permission to change me.
Here I am, Lord, I want to do Your will.
Send me.Amen.

© 2006 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy this reflection, go to:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm