Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“They set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news.”

 

Gospel Reading: 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.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Christ empowers the Twelve to go out into the world and proclaim the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven. He sent them not only to proclaim the Word, but also to heal the sick. Christ not only empowered the Twelve, He also empowered all the generations to come to do the same. We have all been given special graces of the Holy Spirit through our baptism and we are re-nourished through the power of the Eucharist and our participation in the sacraments to continue the mission of Christ in this world. The Word of God has the ability to change your life and to set you free from pain and suffering. Through the Gospel we find salvation and eternal life. We defeat death and sickness, pain and suffering for the glory of God in heaven. We find salvation from sickness, heartache and every earthly infliction. God gave us the same power he gave to the original Twelve. We too can change the world by preaching the gospel not only in words, but in our actions. We can become the beacon of light which leads others to the narrow gate to eternal life.

 

What is most interesting about today’s Gospel is Jesus’ instructions to the Twelve.  Jesus tells them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.” He tells the Twelve that to truly preach the Gospel, they must separate themselves from the earthly treasures that keep us from seeing Christ in the world and finding the Kingdom of God. We must release the burdens which tie us to earth and keep us from heaven. How can we ask others to sacrifice if we are not willing to sacrifice ourselves? The more earthly treasures we give up, the more room we make for Christ in our lives. If our life is filled with new cars, the latest electronic gadgets and new clothes, how can we find space for Christ? Do you set aside time for others in need? Do you set aside time for your family and friends? Do you set aside time for Christ?  As you reflect upon your conscience today, ask yourself what material items keep you from total surrounding to God.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, you gave me the power to proclaim the gospel.

Give me the power to use these gifts to bring others to your table.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon