The Holy Martyr Aquilina (286-305); Holy Triphillius, Bishop of Leucosia (Nicosia) on Cyprus (343).
Apostles’ Fast.
Romans 7:14-8:2; Matthew 10:9-15.
Read Matthew 10:9-15
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Jesus tells his disciples what to carry with them when they go on a missionary journey. More precisely, he tells them what NOT to carry: no money, no extra baggage, no clothes, not even a change of shoes or a staff. The disciples have been sent out to preach the good news of Jesus to the towns and countryside of Galilee. But Jesus is also teaching them to rely on him, rather than their own resources.
All of the things on the list that they shouldn’t take with them are things they could use to support their mission. A staff and an extra pair of shoes are helpful when you need to cover lots of ground – Jesus telling the disciples not to take these things sends a subtle message that there are more important measures of success in this mission than covering lots of ground. Money is necessary if you want to buy food and supplies, or pay for a place to stay during your journey – so, once again, Jesus’ instruction not to take these things, and not even to carry these supplies, makes it clear that the disciples have to rely on other people for support. The message is clear – to be a successful missionary, the disciples have to rely on God.
Even though we are not sent out to preach about Jesus in the countryside and villages, we also have a responsibility to preach the good news to those we meet. Today’s gospel and its message of reliance on God is important for us too. How often do we fail to preach the gospel? How often do we fail to tell people what Jesus has done for us? And how often is this because we feel we don’t have the resources? If we let go of our own resources, our own eloquence, even our own conviction, and trust that God will supply grace in every situation, we may become more effective missionaries.