Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr
“He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick – no food, no sack, no money in their belts.” Jesus sent his disciples out with nothing except faith in the authority he gave them and the support of each other. It is an important detail that he sent them two by two. Jesus was teaching his disciples to be totally reliant on the strength and authority bestowed on them, and to support one another in their mission of preaching the good news of salvation. We are also called to be totally reliant on Jesus and his grace given to us through the Holy Spirit. Do we have faith that God will provide for everything we need to fulfill his work through us? When we are weak, scared, or don’t feel we are enough to live out his divine will, we remember that we are made strong by the one who is sending us out and by the strength of the Body of Christ of which we are members. The Lord’s words to Saint Paul are very encouraging here, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) So, with Saint Paul, when we are feeling not strong enough, let us boast of our weakness. When God works through our weakness, his strength is made perfectly known.
Reflection by Br. Placid Dale, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections