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Gospel: Matthew 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.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
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Last Sunday’s Gospel described the missionary journey of 72 of Jesus’ disciples. They were sent out to preach, to heal, and to cast out demons. Thus, the work of the Church had begun.
Today’s Gospel describes the very first missionary journey, when Jesus sent out the Twelve. “Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or a walking stick,” he tells them.
Jesus isn’t attempting to strip his disciples bare. Rather, he is building upon a Jewish tradition, which the Apostles would’ve understood.
In ancient Israel, it was customary for a person to part with their walking staff, shoes, girdle of money, and to cleanse the dust from their feet before entering the Temple to pray. They were to address God “unburdened.”
Afterwards, a person could gather their belongings and re-enter the world.
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By instructing his disciples to part with all of their things before preaching and healing, Jesus is teaching them to treat the entire world – including every person they meet – as if it is within Temple.
Everyone is a potential dwelling place for God.
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However, practically speaking, if the disciples are going out without a thing to their name, then they’ll need the good will and support of their brothers and sisters along the way.
While the Gospel should be preached free of charge, it is also an honor to care for those who share it, which is why the Church emphasizes the need for charity.
This is particularly true of supporting religious orders like Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, who keep nothing but the Word of God, and depend entirely our support.
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Perhaps this is what the Lord is asking of us today: to see the world as holy; to care for the poor; and to support those who preach the Gospel – not only in word but with their very lives.
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Image credits: (1) Fritz von Uhde: Journey to Bethlehem 1890 (2) Reaching and Teaching International Ministries (3) Kingdom Upgrowth