DAILY GRACE
September 23, 2020, Wednesday of the 25th Week of Ordinary Time
Scripture: Luke 9:1-6
Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’ They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Meditation:
“‘. . . he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.“
Today’s reading tells us that at Jesus’ command the apostles went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere. They were not to keep the Good News to themselves, and they didn’t. They told people about it —- those who would accept it and those would reject it. Jesus’ injunction to shake the dust from their feet if they are not welcome encourages them to keep going and not let hardships or opposition stop them or slow them down.
Jesus sent them out without food, money, or even a second tunic to keep them warm. They are to trust completely in God’s promise, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be given unto you” (Matt. 6:33). What am I to take from this? In this time of pandemic it is hard for me to trust that everything I need will be provided. Still, if I believe that the kingdom is present and at hand, I can trust that God’s power is at work to change me and to change the world.
Prayer
Lord, your word is living and active. Give me the faith and trust of the apostles, so that I may proclaim your message with authority and joy. Let me seek you and your kingdom above all things, and trust you to take care of my needs.
Contemplation
“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done” (Mat. 6:10).