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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Without cost you are to give

Without cost you are to give

Published Jul 10, 2025 12:03 am
REFLECTIONS TODAY
The Twelve disciples are now referred to as “Apostles” as Jesus sends them to preach the coming of the Kingdom of God. They are given the authority to cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons—signs that the Kingdom of God has come upon people.
These are the very works of Jesus which show him as “the one who is to come”—the Messiah (Mt 11:3-5). The powers are given to the Apostles as a gift, that is, without cost. They in turn will exercise these powers for the benefit of the people as a gift. The “commercial” use of the powers and “simony” are forbidden. Still, Paul recalls the command of Jesus “that those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel” (1 Cor 9:14). But Paul does not exercise this right to offer the Gospel free of charge.
On the other hand, those who receive the Gospel should acknowledge this great gift by providing for the missionaries, as what the Philippians did to Paul when he was in prison. “Gifted to Give”—the slogan theme of the 500th year of the Christianization of the Philippines—is a perennial reminder of Jesus’ instruction to the Apostles. The Christian faith was a gift to the Filipino people; it is now the turn of Filipino missionaries— priests, religious, and laity— to share this with other peoples.
Gospel • 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.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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