We, too, are sent ahead of Jesus

Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.

A reflection on the daily readings,for the Memorial of St. Luke, evangelist, by Father Perry.

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

+ “Behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.”

OK, now for the $50 bonus question. Who said that quote?

Paul? Jesus? — and the buzzer goes off loudly!

The answer is … Jesus!

But, although it is not written anywhere as far as this writer knows, certainly Paul could have said it, and he probably did, since he sent out many companions and fellow disciples to help him preach the Gospel.

And in today’s first reading, he writes to his disciples from prison and “in chains.”

He knew at first hand what it was like to suffer for the Gospel, and yet he felt compelled to continue and got his strength even when deserted by some of his companions.

In his own words, he gave testimony, “But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it.”

Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, apostle.

This was the purpose! This was the meaning! This was worth it!

+ And Jesus, who did say the quote about lambs and wolves, also gave a laundry list of instructions to his disciples as to what they should and should not do, say and not say, and what to take with them or leave behind.

Their mission was great and a noble one, but there were costs, too.

It would not always be easy. They should be content with whatever was given to them and for where they were to stay.

They were not to leave one place in search of a “better” place.

They were “setting the stage” for Jesus himself to follow them.

It is curious to wonder how many people in our own lives have come to know, or will come to know, Jesus.

Because we, too, have been sent ahead of him so that when he enters the life of someone, they already have some knowledge of him, as they have come to know him a little bit through us.

Curious. And so what we say and how we live does make a difference. It does matter.

One by one, two by two, day by day, he gives us strength, too.

Father Perry Dean Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com.