Reflection for September 23, Wednesday Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest (M): Luke 9:1-6

Gospel: Luke 9:1-6

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.  

Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

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Reflection:

When Jesus said to the twelve, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.” He was espousing absolute detachment from any kind of worldly things. He was telling them to rely in no one except in Himself for He would provide for them.

This is how Jesus also lived His ministry, He relied in no one except in the providence of God. God provided for Him for He trusted His life in Him. In our present materially driven world it’s so difficult to solely trust in God. For example, how could we advance His teachings without any material provisions? How could we keep going without financial help? These are valid questions that are so difficult to ignore.

Nevertheless, if we really have rock solid faith, we would let go of our worldly worries and rely on no one but God alone. This is the challenge for all of us believers, to rely on no one except God. Often times we do not recognize how God is moving in our lives because we don’t totally rely on Him. We rely more on ourselves and those around us rather than Jesus.

We would not be able to feel the presence of Jesus in our lives if we continue to rely on ourselves. Let us continue to have faith for Jesus has not forsaken anyone who followed Him. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas