Leaving Nazareth, Jesus goes around the towns and villages of Galilee to proclaim the reign of God. He then summons the Twelve disciples and sends them out two by two.

In being sent, the disciples become “apostles” (from Greek apostelein = to send). They take nothing for the journey except a “walking stick” (Greek rabdon, “staff”).

This staff serves as weapon and protection, like the shepherd’s staff. But it is also a symbol of authority, leadership, and power. The Twelve are sent in pairs for mutual help and witness.

Going with the barest of provisions, the Apostles show total dependence on God and the hospitality of those who welcome them and their message, which is Jesus’ own: that the reign of God has come.

The power of the Gospel shows forth in the Apostles’ ability to drive out demons and to heal many of the sick.

The Apostles will not always be afforded welcome, and if this happens, they are to shake the dust off their feet when they leave the village. Removal of dust from the feet is a declaration that the rejecting villagers are like pagans in character.

The action is symbolic and provides a warning to them. The Twelve are fulfilling their responsibility as messengers of God, and those who reject them will answer to God.

In shaking the dust from their feet, the Apostles are breaking communication with the villagers and consign them to the judgment of God.

The gesture is not a curse but is meant to make the inhabitants think again what they have done and to lead them to repentance.

When the time of David’s death drew near, he gave these instructions to his son Solomon:

“I am going the way of all flesh. Take courage and be a man. Keep the mandate of the Lord, your God, following his ways and observing his statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees as they are written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed in whatever you do, wherever you turn, and the Lord may fulfill the promise he made on my behalf when he said, ‘If your sons so conduct themselves that they remain faithful to me with their whole heart and with their whole soul, you shall always have someone of your line on the throne of Israel.’”

David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David. The length of David’s reign over Israel was 40 years: he reigned seven years in Hebron and 33 years in Jerusalem. Solomon was seated on the throne of his father David, with his sovereignty firmly established.

Lord, you are exalted over all.”

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits.

He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.

He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance.

The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.