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Manila Bulletin

Opinion

Take nothing for the journey

Opinion

Take nothing for the journey

By Manila Bulletin

REFLECTIONS TODAY

It is “practicum time” for the Twelve Apostles as Jesus Master sends them out to do what he does: bring the Good News, accompanied by works of expelling demons and curing diseases.

In order to do this effectively, the Apostles have to shed off all possible encumbrances. “Take nothing for the journey” (v 3, Jesus commands them. To do his works, they need to follow his lifestyle too. A real challenge indeed, in this time of great “overload” of devices and gadgets even among Church personnel! But the word of Jesus means that the Church must depend on God fully, not on property, prestige, or power.

Only through a simple and trusting lifestyle can they concentrate on the mission at hand. With faith, openness, and flexibility, they can allow the power of Jesus to freely work on them in their weakness and privation. As a “modern missionary” of Jesus, are you able to let go of many details of your life and offer yourself totally to the proclamation of God’s love and mercy?

Gospel • Luke 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.

Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024.” E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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REFLECTIONS 366 Days with the Lord

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