Jesus weds power and authority with compassionate love and humble service

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Reading:  He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. Luke 9: 3.
 
Good morning, happy Wednesday, and many blessings my dear family.
 
Luke in this Gospel (Luke 9:1-6) brings the 12 into the forefront of the narrative; they are presented as sharing in the Mission of Christ; they are no longer merely disciples but are given the task of doing what Jesus does; to exercise authority over unclean spirits, curing diseases and proclaiming the kingdom of God.
 
This is a very frightening text if taken literally. It seems to mean that people who offer themselves fully to the Lord will be provided for by God through the kindness of others. Saint Francis of Assisi gave up his inheritance through his wonderful relationship with the Lord. Many good people who set out to do things for God frequently have to resort to the prayer – if God wants it He will provide.
 
If we can live in the spirit of realizing that God does provide everything that we have, then we learn that there is nothing that we have not received, and the prayer of thanksgiving takes on a deeper meaning.
 
We see the distinction being drawn between a follower of Christ and being another Christ. Followers by following the teaching of Christ and by living according to His values proclaim the kingdom of God but they do not necessarily commit themselves to dedicate their lives to the proclamation of the Gospel. To what extent does your life lean towards being a follower and being another Christ?
 
Proclaiming the kingdom of God and healing are the core mission. Over-packing and over-preparing will shift the focus to what I might need, to what gives me comfort. As I speak to God about what concerns me, I pray that I may remain single-minded and free. What is the dust I need to shake off? What is it that tarnishes me and dulls my shine? I pray that I may keep my focus on the good news and not allow myself to be slowed down by attention to other messages, no matter how compelling.
 
Your baggage allowance is zero. What slows you down? What complicates your life? Can you lay it at the feet of Jesus and walk away? Jesus suggests that we should live in a simple way and not be encumbered by niggling concerns. It will be difficult for us to bring good news if we are concerned with our own details. We will be able to travel more lightly if we can make what matters to Jesus matter to us.
 
Jesus weds power and authority with compassionate love and humble service. I pray for the Church that its ministers may do likewise.
 
Blessings,
 
Fr. Luis+