Wednesday, September 25, 2002
25th Week in Ordinary Time
1st Reading: Pro 30:5-9
Gospel: Lk 9:1-6
Jesus called his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to
drive out all evil spirits and to heal diseases. And he sent them to proclaim
the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He instructed them, "Don't
take anything for the journey, neither walking stick, nor bag, nor bread,
nor silver coins; and don't even take a spare tunic. Whatever house you
enter, remain there until you leave that place. And wherever they don't
welcome you, leave the town and shake the dust from your feet: it will
be as a testimony against them."
So they set out and went through the villages, proclaiming the good news
and healing people everywhere.
Commentary
After experiencing Jesus' evangelizing activity of making people whole and proclaiming God's reign, the apostles in their turn were sent out for the same purpose. In doing their mission they were enjoined not to rely primarily on their own resources but on the power and authority given them by Jesus. Indeed, even and especially in these post-modern times, we need God's power in making our fragmented world to be more sane and whole.