DGEMs

God’s Presence – Faith: In today’s Gospel, Jesus commissioned His Twelve Apostles to proclaim the Good News of Salvation, and bring “His Divine Peace” to everyone.  Ponder on: Like the apostles, we are each called to trust in God’s unfailing Active Presence, labouring for our Eternal Salvation.  Pray daily to live with such consciousness and gratitude to God.

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs, giving them authority over unclean spirits. And he instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff - no bread, no haversack, no coppers for their purses. They were to wear sandals but, he added, ‘Don't take a spare tunic.’ 

And he said to them, ‘If you enter a house anywhere, stay there until you leave the district. And if any place does not welcome you and people refuse to listen to you, as you walk away shake off the dust under your feet as evidence to them.’ So they set off to proclaim repentance; and they cast out many devils, and anointed many sick people with oil and cured them.

• Jesus knows that material concerns can be burdensome and can distract His disciples from their ministry. Therefore He instructed them to take only a staff and sandals on their feet. Not even a spare tunic!

• Jesus referred to material things like bread, haversack, coppers, tunic and sandals. What would be the equivalent of these items for you today? Is it food, possessions or wealth?  Reflect on them.

• Are you overly concerned or perhaps burdened by worldly possessions in your daily living?  Do they distract or hinder you from living your Christian life more faithfully?