The need to be 'trained'
I Cor 9:16-19, 22b -27; Lk 6: 39-42.
The readings today insist on the need to be trained in being an apostle. An apostle we are, each of us by virtue of our baptism. That call is not merely a privillege, it is an obligation, a duty and a demand placed on me. Considering it merely a matter of boast leads to some unfortunate developments within the faith community, situations such as infights, ego clashes, jealousy and unchristian 'politricks'... The Gospel calls these: blind leading the blind and both into the pit!
Instead, taking the call seriously leads one to a fuller realisation of the gift that it is and of the demands it places. One of the important demands is to be trained! Both St.Paul and Jesus, today speak of this training. It would consist of fundamentally three things: humble acceptance of the call to be an apostle; attentive listening to the Word that comes to us; and diligent practice of the Word that is heard. Falling short of these three steps would make us either arrogant bigwigs or pretentious bullies but never trained disciples. The need to be trained is precisely, to gradually grow after the image of the Master Himself.