Last night, Anabelle and I saw the new movie ‘The Internship’ for our regular Monday movie date. It is about two ‘old’ salesmen (in their 40’s) joining young nerds and geeks (in their 20’s) for a summer internship program at Google. Initially, they were of course totally out of place. In the end, everyone realized that life was not meant to be lived in formulas and algorithms but in experiences and moments; that life is best understood not as some mathematical or scientific processes but as captured in a story or anecdote; that life is about connecting with people, building relationships and doing good for others. It is about loving and serving our neighbors, to use the words of Christ.
Christ sent out his disciples to proclaim the good news of the coming of the kingdom. And what are the of the kingdom? Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. And the Church, for all the scandals and shortcomings that are besetting her today, has faithfully followed the mandate of Christ to heal the sick, feed the hungry, teach the ignorant, clothe the naked, visit those in prison, welcome the stranger. US Catholic hospitals top the list of 100 Top Hospitals in the US. The Church has a very extensive prison ministry. The Church is in the forefront of the campaign for immigration reforms. Worldwide, the Church operates the world’s largest non-governmental school system.
I have my own shortcomings and failures. I have, in my time, lusted after material things and possessions. But I have devoted my life in work in health and education. I have found inspiration and consolation in the work that I did and in the people I had been blessed to work with and to work for. I may not have done great things. I may not have changed the world. But I did what I did with the words of Christ constantly in my mind: “Proclaim the good news . . . . .”
Jesus said, ‘As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food.’
Matthew 10:7-13