Getting the job done

Jesus, teach me to get things done -- alone or with help! Amen.

Jesus saw how many people needed help following Him, so He got the 12 Apostles together and gave them the power to heal people. "Cure the sick, raise the dead, and don't take money for your help," Jesus told them. Then Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, the other James, Thaddeus, Simon and Judas Iscariot went out to help people learn about God.

"I'll do it myself" is something kids say all the time. You don't want help buckling your seat belt or making a sandwich; you want to prove you can do it on your own -- even if it takes a while or is a little messy!

Learning to do things by yourself is a good idea sometimes, because you'll need to do those things when you're grown up. But, Jesus knew that there are times when help is a good thing -- for example, when He's teaching people in this week's Gospel (Matthew 9:36-10:8).

Making a sandwich by yourself is a great accomplishment; but, when you can't reach that new jar of mayo on a high shelf in the cabinet, it's good to ask a grownup for help. Even if you get a little help reaching things, it's still you making the sandwich!

Jesus had the same idea. He looked around at all the people who needed to learn about God and realized He was just one man. He needed help if He was going to reach out to all of them.

Jesus taught the Apostles so they could go out and teach others. It was more important that people hear about God loving them than for them to hear that right from Jesus.

Like you making a sandwich, getting a little help meant Jesus got the job done. That's something to be proud of!