REFLECTIONS TODAY
Today Jesus sets the Twelve (apostles) out on a mission of preaching and healing. They are told to preach the Kingdom of God. Jesus puts his trust in them even if he knows the apostles have other ideas about God’s Kingdom. Their view still remains earthbound, and they have always dreamed of a political messiah and an earthly kingdom. They have yet to learn about Jesus’ dictum on servanthood and suffering in order to be great, and being the last in order to be first in God’s Kingdom. Nonetheless, Jesus sends them forth, certainly aided by the Spirit of God who brings remarkable fruits to their ministry.
Later, the apostles will rejoice that they are able to heal many sick people and by the power of the name of Jesus, they are able to drive away demons and evil spirits. Jesus will admonish them, “Rejoice because your names are written in heaven” (Lk 10:20). The apostles are told to go on mission unencumbered by creature comforts, such as walking staff, bag, bread, money, extra tunic. Jesus is training his apostles to rely on Divine Providence, to experience nothingness so as to be filled with God’s goodness.
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: “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.