REFLECTIONS TODAY
MATTHEW 10:7-15
JESUS said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words — go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”
REFLECTION
DO NOT TAKE GOLD OR SILVER OR COPPER. Jesus’ instructions to the Twelve disciples (Apostles) on their mission underline the need to be dependent on God. Jesus seems to have anticipated that the disciples would be so concerned with what to bring or prepare to ensure the success of their mission. But he tells them to go practically without anything and trust in God’s providence alone.
It is doubtful that the disciples of the present times can take Jesus’ words seriously as they accomplish their mission. Somehow, we are made to believe that success comes with proper training and preparation. Most likely those who go on mission without anything will be perceived as not really “serious” with their task. But Jesus is right in reminding that the one who sends us also knows how to assist us in our needs; we only need to trust in him.
Can we undertake our mission armed with only Jesus’ promise that with his power and authority we will be able to accomplish our tasks as his apostles for our times?
SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2018,” 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.