4th Week in Ordinary Time (II) : Thursday 5th February 2026

Though the word ‘authority’ often suggests coercive power and suppression of individual freedom, its origin from the Latin ‘augere’ means ‘to grow.’ A person in authority should have the capacity to influence and inspire trust in people to prioritise the common good over personal gain so that everything under his/her authority can find its proper place in society to engender human flourishing. The Apostles’ mission, conferred to them in the name of Christ’s authority, is two-fold: preaching and healing, repentance and conversion. However, Jesus issues caveats for the rightful exercise of authority. He instructs them to take nothing for the journey. He is reminding His Apostles that travelling light means imbibing the poverty of spirit with total reliance and utter dependence on God’s divine providence. Whilst Jesus instructs them to remain where they are welcomed and embraced, there should be no coercion for those who reject Him. They simply walk away. This spirit of detachment is a state where we surrender to God the outcome of our endeavours, fears and anxiety in exchange for interior freedom to praise, reverence and serve Him without counting the costs. A materially and spiritually unencumbered disciple is always in a state of readiness to respond with missionary zeal and commitment to Jesus’ calling. If we participate in God’s authority with such freedom and humility, we who are in authority lead others under us to truth, goodness and love to become co-workers in His kingdom.

PRAYER:  You, Lord, are the ruler of all.