FIRST READING
Proverbs 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.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163
R. (105) Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.
Remove from me the way of falsehood, and favor me with your law.
R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.
The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.
Your word, O LORD, endures forever; it is firm as the heavens.
R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.
From every evil way I withhold my feet, that I may keep your words.
R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.
Through your precepts I gain discernment; therefore I hate every false way.
R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.
Falsehood I hate and abhor; your law I love.
R. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.
ALLELUIA
Mark 1:15
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
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.
REFLECTIONS:
What kind of power and authority does God want you
to exercise in your personal life and in your service of others? God's
word has power to change and transform our lives. Jesus gave his apostles
both power and authority to speak and to act in his name to cast out
evil spirits, to heal, and to speak the word of God. When Jesus spoke of
power and authority he did something unheard of. He wedded power and authority
with love and humility. The world
and the style="font-style: italic;">sinful flesh seek
power for selfish gain. Jesus teaches us to use it for the good of our
neighbor.
Why does Jesus tell the apostles to travel
light with little or no provision? Poverty
of spirit frees us from greed and preoccupation with possessions
and makes ample room for God's provision. The Lord wants his disciples
to be dependent on him and not on themselves. He wills to work in and through
each of us for his glory. Are you ready to handle the power and authority
which God wishes you to exercise on his behalf? The Lord entrusts us with
his gifts and talents. Are you eager to place yourself at his service,
to do whatever he bids you, and to witness his truth and saving power to
whomever he sends you?
"Lord Jesus, make me a channel of your grace and healing love that others
may find life and freedom in you. Free me from all other attachments that
I may joyfully pursue the things of heaven. May I witness to others the
joy of the gospel both in word and deed."
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