Please read the Scripture passage before the homily.
In Monday’s reading, after Jesus had cast out demons, he was accused to doing so by the power of the prince of demons. He defended himself by explaining that he was attacking the devil. In today’s reading, the risen Jesus shared this power to defeat the devil with his disciples.
It is not only with the Eleven that Jesus has shared this power; he shares it with “those who believe”. Not only will we have the power to drive out demons, but we shall have a full armory of powers including new languages, control over serpents and healing of the sick.
All that is lacking in these powers is our belief that we have them. Each of us has these powers to free self from the devil, from sin, and anything else that could poison our relationships with ourselves, with others or with God.
It has been said of many holy people that they always brought a sense of peace wherever they went. Peace is a sense of calm that pervades people and places and broadcasts the presence of God.
All of us who have received baptism are commissioned to go out with this peace and with the other powers. We look at the great Apostles of old, like Peter and Paul, and affirm the work they have done. We, likewise, however, have the same power and the same commissioning.to go out and spread the gospel. Each of us, according to the personal gifts and situations we have received, must preach the gospel and share our faith with all whom we meet.
The gifts are not for the Eleven, but for all who believe.