“Jesus Gave Them Authority Over Unclean Spirits.”

Today's readings remind us that God does not simply call people into His service; He also equips them with the grace and authority needed to fulfill their mission. In the Gospel, Jesus calls the Twelve by name and entrusts them with authority over unclean spirits, diseases, and illnesses. This authority was not rooted in their personal abilities or perfection but in the One who sent them. Before they performed miracles, they were first called to proclaim a simple but powerful message: "The Kingdom of heaven is at hand." Their mission was to bring people back to God by preaching, healing, and restoring hope. The First Reading from Hosea reveals why such a mission was necessary. Israel had become prosperous, but instead of becoming more faithful, they became more self-reliant and idolatrous. The more blessings they received, the more they turned away from the Giver of those blessings. Their hearts became divided, and their worship became empty. Through the prophet, God calls them to conversion with these beautiful words: "Sow for yourselves justice, reap the fruit of piety; break up for yourselves a new field, for it is time to seek the Lord." This is a call to cultivate hearts that are open to God's grace instead of allowing the weeds of sin, pride, and complacency to take root. These readings speak powerfully to our own lives. The "unclean spirits" we battle today may not always be visible, but they are very real: fear, hatred, addiction, jealousy, pride, greed, discouragement, unforgiveness, and indifference to God. Through our Baptism and Confirmation, Christ has already entrusted us with His Spirit and calls each of us to be instruments of healing, reconciliation, and hope within our families, workplaces, parishes, and communities. We may not all be called to extraordinary miracles, but every act of forgiveness, every word of encouragement, every witness of faith, and every work of charity weakens the power of evil and makes the Kingdom of God present. The Responsorial Psalm invites us to "Seek always the face of the Lord." Before we can bring Christ to others, we must first remain close to Him. Authority in the Christian life flows from intimacy with God. A disciple who prays, trusts, and seeks the Lord daily becomes a channel through whom Christ continues His work in the world. As we answer God's call today, may we allow Him to renew our hearts, strengthen our faith, and empower us to proclaim with confidence that the Kingdom of heaven is truly at hand.