The Word of God
As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for labourers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgement than for that town.
Matthew 10:7–15
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- You receive without payment, give without payment. These words are a real challenge: they have inspired so many saints who see in them a real demand of our life. We succeed to give freely only to the extent that we believe that we have been given freely, that all we have is a gift: there is no risk of finishing empty handed. I look in wonder at all I have freely received, and ask for an open and generous heart.
- Jesus sends out his apostles to preach in poverty. We find it difficult to accept that a poor apostle is an effective one, and tend to rely too much on having powerful means to make an impact. I pray for wisdom in this area, and for growing in the radicality of the Gospel. I ask this for me and for the whole Church and its leaders.
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- Jesus invites his disciples to live with the risk of being dependent on others. With Jesus, I review how much I value independence and consider what it is like for me to ask for the help I need.
- The followers of Jesus are sent out as messengers of peace, cautioned against keeping their attention on wounds or hurts. I take time to speak to Jesus about the dust I find difficult to shake off and humbly ask for healing.
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- Jesus sends his apostles to preach the Good News. I ask myself whether I and the other Christians I know are really preachers of good news to those who hear them, or preachers of something else? Of a moral code perhaps, or of a radical criticism of the present situation of the world. Has my reaction to the pandemic been that of a bearer of good news? Is Jesus’ message good news for me? Only then will I be able to transmit it as good news to others.
- Yet, Jesus is also aware of the opposition his message can arouse in others, and prepares his disciples for the possibility of refusal. It is not always easy to be a Christian, and I ask for a strong faith in Jesus and his protection, so that I can deal with opposition in a Christ-like manner.
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- Jesus wants discipleship to be free of calculation and of measurement. He invites me to see myself as someone who gives freely of the good they have received. I offer to others what I received from God knowing that it has cost me nothing, remembering that I and others may benefit in the giving.
- I take this time to allow God to give me what I need so that I may give, not of my own resources, but of what I have freely received.
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- “You received without payment; give without payment”. This is the call of the disciple: to acknowledge with gratitude all that I have received so that I can give freely. This purifies me from any pride or self-righteousness, as I realise that we are all recipients of God's mercy, and I can look at those to whom I am sent with respect and gratitude. As I listen to Jesus instructing his disciples, I ask for the grace to let his words make me a better disciple.
- Jesus' word, like Jesus himself, always carries judgement with it, for those who accept it, as for those who reject it. I pray for the conversion of those who are closed to the Good News of Jesus, and for a deeper conversion of my own heart.
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- I find Jesus’ very concrete instructions so reassuring: God gets involved in the nitty gritty of life’s challenges as well as dealing with the big issues. For God no problem is too small for me to ask for help and advice. Knock and the door will be opened.
- 'You received without payment; give without payment'. What I can give that requires no payment on either side? My time? My expertise? My gifts? My forgiveness? I can give others the benefit of the doubt. I can pray that the person who receives from me will pass on the grace of giving, and that whoever I forgive will likewise forgive someone else.
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- Jesus imparts a radical message to his disciples as he sends them out on mission. They are to cast out demons and cleanse lepers just as he did and take nothing for the journey, not even a spare tunic or sandals for their feet. It is a rallying call by Jesus to his closest followers to trust completely in the providence and love of God.
- I pray Lord that I may cling less to material things and more to your providential presence in my life, which is alive and active in every moment of my day and every decision I make. Help me to place all my hope and trust in you – for your love and generosity are never outdone.
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- Jesus instructs his disciples to travel lightly – how unlike the modern traveller they are! He is not concerned with baggage allowances but asks us to look at our hearts to see how free we are. Am I defined by my luggage? Can I relax into my true identity and let go what does not matter? I picture my concerns on an airport carousel; here they come around again – what happens if I don’t pick them up?