Many of us are trained to prepare for the unforeseen and unexpected. We are instructed on how we can minimize disasters by being proactive, vigilant, or thorough when we embark on something.

We bring extra pieces of clothing, food, water, medicines, etc. We think of what we might need in case something happens; we anticipate all the “what if’s,” and prepare for them.

But in mission, or in Jesus’ way of doing mission, more emphasis is on the inner preparation of trust, of confidence in the providence of God and the generosity of people.

Jesus asks the disciples to fulfill their mission with the least encumbrance or hindrance due to overpreparation, overthinking, as if everything is a mere human project that can only be successful with the best human or material preparations.

But Jesus underlines the greater importance of the mission itself, than worrying about what will happen to those sent, implying that God will be there to assist them; after all, it is his mission that they are carrying out.

May we learn to carry out our mission with more trust in the providence of God and the generosity of people than in our own power or resources.

When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the farther they went from me, sacrificing to the Baals and burning incense to idols.

Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks; yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer.

My heart is overwhelmed, my pity is stirred. I will not give vent to my blazing anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again; for I am God and not man, the Holy One present among you; I will not let the flames consume you.

“Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.”

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.”