From the beginning of his ministry Jesus sent out his disciples to spread the message of Good News — a reminder that the point of being Church is not so much about getting people in but in sending them out. The mission that we have as modern day apostles is the same as the original twelve according to St. Mark: to preach repentance, to drive out demons, to heal the sick. We preach repentance when we call society away from materialism, excessive self-interest, lack of respect for life. We must drive out the demons of racism, injustice, violence. We are called to heal those suffering from grief, loneliness, confusion. Following Jesus is not just for an individual’s good but meant to turn the world toward God.
