Gospel Reading: Lk 9:1-6
JESUS summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.
TAKE NOTHING FOR THE JOURNEY.
Jesus gives this instruction to the Twelve whom he has chosen as Apostles. It is time for action. They have witnessed how Jesus preaches and heals the sick. From being spectators, they will now do a serious practicum with the same purpose: to advance the Kingdom of God.
Jesus wants them to travel light. They must be identified as missionaries. People must see them as poor and simple, very visible, not carrying many things. People must not mistake them for vendors, scouts, spies, actors, or tourists.
The Apostles must be seen as true disciples of Jesus sharing in his mission. So they will simply go around, not even with such bare necessities as pocket money and extra clothing. They will bring along with them only the power and authority invested upon them by Jesus to proclaim God’s Kingdom, heal the sick, and exorcise demons.
Why does Jesus seem harsh to them? The Twelve must be focused on their work. They will later be returning to the group. People will support them if they do well. They will have enough energy to go back and report what they have done.
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We Christians today bring everything when sent.
People cannot figure out who we are and what we are up to.
We become ineffective in our mission.
Let us learn from the Twelve.
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2017” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
