The Army You Have

It has been said that you go to war with the army you have, not the army you might wish to have in the future.    

The Gospel reading for the Ascension made me think of this quote.  I noticed that Jesus addressed the 11 apostles, and not the 12, and told them to go out into the world to spread His message.  It was 11 and not 12 because it was the time between the death of Judas and the appointment of Matthias. So, the "army" was short one soldier.  Jesus didn't hesitate, however, to tell the apostles to go out and make disciples of all nations. Quite a big job, especially with 11/12ths of your force.  

Soon after Jesus ascended into heaven, the apostles voted to appoint Matthias to replace Judas, but that's not the point.  The point is that Jesus wanted them to start right away, even down one soldier.

The lesson for us?  Don't wait to do your good works.  Don't wait until all the stars are in line.  Do the best you can with what you have, and do it now.  If you can give a nickel to a poor person today, don't wait until tomorrow in the hopes you'll be able to give a dollar.  And if you can help a friend a little bit tonight, go tonight.  Don't wait until tomorrow when you think you might have more time.  As I recently learned with a friend of mine who died, tomorrow doesn't always come.  

God wants you to do your best now, with whatever you have.  Go to war with the army, supplies, and time you have.

May God bless you in abundance.

- The Older Brother