Reading 1
Prv 30:5-9
Every word of God is tested;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Add nothing to his words,
lest he reprove you, and you will be exposed as a deceiver.
Two things I ask of you,
deny them not to me before I die:
Put falsehood and lying far from me,
give me neither poverty nor riches;
provide me only with the food I need;
Lest, being full, I deny you,
saying, "Who is the LORD?"
Or, being in want, I steal,
and profane the name of my God.
Gospel
Lk 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.
Meditation: Luke 9:1-6
“Take nothing for the journey.” (Luke 9:3)
Jesus was not naïve about the hardships of traveling. Having walked many miles proclaiming God’s kingdom, he understood perfectly well what was needed for long journeys. Yet as he sent the apostles out, Jesus told them not to bother about the very things that made traveling possible. They were to take “nothing” for their journey: “neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money” (Luke 9:3). There is an inconsistency here that just doesn’t make sense! Why would Jesus tell them to take nothing with them when he knew how demanding the journey would be?
When you think about it, though, what sense does it make at all for Almighty God to work his miraculous, healing power through mere human beings? Why would he depend on us to preach his kingdom and do his supernatural work? Because in the end, it’s not really us doing the work at all—just as it wasn’t their reliance on walking sticks, food, or money that sustained the disciples in their missionary work. Jesus wants us to learn how to depend not only on our earthly skills and possessions but also—and even more so—on his power and grace.
Incredible as it seems, God wants to make you an instrument through which his power is manifested to the world. Your part is to respond with the kind of faith that allows him to work. Jesus promised: “Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these” (John 14:12). As Jesus told the apostles before sending them out, it is trust in God that makes this possible. When we look to our heavenly Father, he supplies everything we need.
So have confidence in God! When someone tells you about an illness, pray in faith that they will be healed. If family relationships are strained, pray and expect miracles in Jesus’ name! God wants his wonders to be a normal part of life. If you do, too, then start praying with anticipation and watch for God to work. The journey of life can be very hard at times, but Jesus wants us to know that he is with us to help us along the way.
“Holy Spirit, empower all your people to be witnesses to the kingdom. Help us to take you at your word and to receive all the grace you offer. Make us ambassadors of your love.”
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