In the Gospel reading from Luke 9, Jesus sends out the Twelve and gives them their marching orders. “Take nothing for the journey.”
Why would Jesus send out the Apostles empty-handed? After all, they would need to eat. They would need a place to stay. Couldn’t they just rent a room at the nearby Marriott and grab the continental breakfast before they set out each day? Why all the hardship, Lord? Because it all starts with imitation of Christ.
Jesus once told one of His disciples, “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Jesus had nothing. He depended on His Father to give Him everything He needed to do His work on earth. Total dependence on God. Nothing less is acceptable for those who follow Jesus. When we begin to depend on money or power or relationships or anything else, we will begin to think that we can do this on our own. God will provide. And most often he does that through the generosity of his people. Trust in God. And help others who are trusting in him as well.
Father, thank you for giving us all we need. Increase our trust, and our generosity to those seeking to do your will. Amen.
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