Practical Advice

What do you need to make it in the world?

Jesus said to the twelve, “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 laborers 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 judgment than for that town. “See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” - Matthew 10:7-16

Today's Gospel reading can be interpreted in a few ways, depending on one's perspective.

One the one hand, it is a commission to the disciples to go into the world with nothing forcing them to rely on those they encounter to provide what they need for their journey and their stay, as they set out to cure the sick and cast out demons.

But it is also good advice for the time. 

Travel in twos, so you will not be alone.  You are less likely to be taken by surprise that way.

Carry no money so you are not a target.  Bandits will see you have nothing to offer.

Stay only with those who are willing to receive you.  Avoid anyone who may seek to do you harm.

The strategy of sending them out like sheep among wolves is one that protects them, since they are not seen as a threat to anyone. 

So, what do we learn from this?

I think we learn of the power of humility and simplicity.  Working together, with the least we need to get by, relying on others can be a powerful way to accomplish our mission, because it shows that in being less of a target, we are actually more likely to succeed.

Whatever is a distraction from our mission we should abandon or set aside, at least until the job is done.  And never set out to change the world alone.  Go together.

That may be the most important point. 

God gave us gifts and He gave us one another.  Whenever two or more are gathered in His name, He is with us.

So, strip off all that is unnecessary and get to work.  There is much to be done.

More to come...