Jesus sends out the Twelve and gives them nothing to carry, except his power and his Word. No staff, no money. Only trust. Whoever sets out like this discovers that the Lord provides, from house to house and from heart to heart.
You call and then you send, Lord.
You ask no luggage of us, only trust.
Loosen my hands from the superfluous.
Fill them with your grace.
Father, you clothe the lilies of the field.
Teach us to walk without too many supplies.
Today’s bread is enough for today.
Tomorrow we entrust to you.
Christ, teacher and physician,
give your disciples your own gaze.
Let the Kingdom be proclaimed by our lives.
Let our passing bring relief.
Holy Spirit, strength in weakness,
sustain those who are not welcomed.
Heal the wound of rejection.
Keep peace alive in us.
We knock at many doors, Lord.
Behind each one, let there be a brother or sister.
And let everyone find you.
Amen.
Explanation
In the Gospel of Luke (9:1-6), Jesus calls the Twelve together and gives them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases. He sends them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He tells them to take nothing for the journey: no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no second tunic. They must trust in Providence and stay in the house that welcomes them. Where they are not welcomed, they are to shake the dust from their feet as a testimony. They set out and go through the villages, proclaiming the good news and healing.
Practical Applications for Daily Life
- Simplify: Choose one superfluous thing to let go of, to make room for the essential.
- Trust in Providence: Entrust to God one practical worry of today.
- Proclaim with your life: Be kind and consistent: the Gospel is seen before it is spoken.
- Welcome whoever knocks: Receive with simplicity the people you meet along the way.
- Do not yield to rejection: If a door closes, pray for those who did not welcome you and go on.
Questions for Personal or Group Reflection
- Which securities do I struggle to let go of?
- Do I truly trust that God provides?
- How do I proclaim the Gospel without using words?
- How do I react when I am not welcomed?
- Which sick or suffering person can I visit this week?