Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest

Today's Mass Readings

In the gospel passage we read today from Luke 9:1-6, Jesus sends his twelve disciples on a mission “to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”  What is significant is that he directs them to “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic” (Lk 9:3).

Why would Jesus send out his apostles unequipped for the journey?  What, no food? No change of clothes? How on earth are these disciples to carry out their task without basic necessities? A clue to the Lord’s seemingly unrealistic request is to be found in our first reading from the Book of Proverbs. It begins with the text “Every word of God is tested; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him” (Prv 30:5), and concludes with an amazing prayer: “…give me neither poverty nor riches; provide me only with the food I need; Lest, being full, I deny you, saying, ‘Who is the LORD? (Prv 30:8-9).”

Jesus wants to make it clear to the Twelve that they should depend on Him and Him alone. He will supply their every need as it arises; he will be their shield in the midst of any difficulty. When we are well-fed and financially secure, we tend to become self-sufficient and forget the real source of those gifts. This gospel challenges us to examine the attachments in our lives that cause us to forget “Who is the Lord.”  It’s easy to let phones, constant screen time, social media, and excessive money in our wallets distract us from our goals. We are called to share the gospel and bring healing to others, always remembering that our primary attachment must be to our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB