In today’s Gospel, the twelve apostles are sent out on their own for the first time. Jesus instructs them to preach repentance, cure those who are sick, and drive out demons. Jesus did not accompany them in person, but he was surely with them in spirit.
Jesus does not make it easy on his disciples. He sends them in pairs, each with nothing but a walking stick and the tunic and sandals they are wearing. No money, no food, no change of clothes, none of their belongings. Why? Why would he make them dependent upon the kindness of strangers, folks in fact, who were being commanded to repent? He was teaching them to be dependent on God. After all, Jesus had none of these things himself as he traveled throughout Galilee and Judea preaching, teaching, and healing. Now he gives the Twelve the authority to do so themselves and sends them on their mission. This is our calling now, our mission. With the spirit of the Lord within us, Jesus calls us to preach the Good News, to bring his healing touch to those in need, to confront evil and to forgive wrongs. Now we go in peace to fulfill our vocation.
Love, Peace, Joy,
Fr. Bob
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