Liturgy of the Word

First Reading: Hos 11:1– 4, 8e – 9

Thus says the LORD:
When Israel was a child I loved him,
out of Egypt I called my son.
The more I called them,
the farther they went from me,
Sacrificing to the Baals
and burning incense to idols.
Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
who took them in my arms;
I drew them with human cords,
with bands of love;
I fostered them like one
who raises an infant to his cheeks;
Yet, though I stooped to feed my child,
they did not know that I was their healer.
My heart is overwhelmed,
my pity is stirred.
I will not give vent to my blazing anger,
I will not destroy Ephraim again;
For I am God and not man,
the Holy One present among you;
I will not let the flames consume you.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 80:2ac and 3b, 15 –16

R./ Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.

O shepherd of Israel, hearken.
From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.
Rouse your power.
R./ Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.

Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see:
Take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted,
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R./ Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.

Gospel Reading Introduction
          Jesus sends his twelve apostles to announce the kingdom of heaven. They have to be detached from possessions, even from people. They are to be poor also in the sense that they must accept the insecurity of not being received well. Perhaps we could retain these Words of Jesus today: you received without charge, give without charge: your love, your service, your commitment.

Gospel Reading: Mt 10:7–15

Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation:
‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the
dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you
have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold
or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a
second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves
his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy
person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a
house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace
come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever
will not receive you or listen to your words—go outside that
house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say
to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and
Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”

Commentary

Why were the disciples told not to wear sandals? In the time of Jesus, the roads were sufficiently smooth so that a traveler would not need to wear sandals. But in case a brigand would force a traveler off the road, he would need sandals to protect his feet against the sharp rocks. In commanding them not to wear sandals, Jesus invites His disciples to trust in Him. They are doing His will, and so they have no need to fear. The Lord Himself will be their protection and strength.

So it is today. When we walk along the path of life, we need not fear.