Reaching out to others

Matthew 10:6. But go ye rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
10:7. And going, preach, saying: The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
10:8. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils: freely have you received, freely give.


When Jesus sent his disciples out to perform miracles, he practically told them not to preach to the choir. Their mission was clearly an evangelical one, to gather lost souls and bring them into the fold.

When I receive an email from someone who has not been to church in years, there is a sense of sadness that tugs at me. This is replaced by excitement when we correspond and I tell them that they will be welcomed back, no matter how long it has been or what disability or illness they may have. I'm also happy to try to help them find a local church that is accessible.

Connecting people to their local parishes or the nearest parish with a ramp is nothing compared to what the disciples were asked to do - or did. But it is a way to reach out to others who may feel lost and alone. We are clearly asked to welcome those who are lost or in need of help into the fold.