Word to the Wise
Thursday, July 10, 2014 - Thursday in the 14th Week in Ordinary Time
[Hos 11:1-4, 8e-9 and Matt 10:7-15]"As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received, without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep!
After reading this charge from Jesus, I am tempted to say, "Woe is me! I am a very imperfect disciple! I do try to proclaim the Kingdom in my itinerant ministry, but I can't say that I have cured anyone, raised any dead, cleansed any lepers or exorcised any demons!" To make matters worse, I do have a wallet with money and credit cards; I do pack a suitcase and "gadget bag," and one of my brethren also reminded me of how fond I am of a walking staff! Sigh! I admit that those who invite me to preach missions and retreats seem satisfied with my efforts, so I think I "deserve my keep!"
It is a constant effort to "simplify" and take along only what is "necessary" for the mission of proclaiming the Kingdom. In fact, the Kingdom may be proclaimed in a smile or kind inquiry about family and health. It may be a helpful gesture or a welcoming word. I may do more in a 30 second conversation after a great mission service than I did during it. The same may be true for anyone in the Beloved Congregation. Once we take our baptismal commitment with a greater degree of seriousness and joy, the Kingdom seems to have many opportunities. Who knows? We may do some curing, raising, cleansing and exorcising! The Holy Spirit will find a way to work with us if we are willing to work with the Holy Spirit! After all, the Holy Spirit is very portable and doesn't even have to be packed! AMEN