Thursday 8 July

Today is Thursday the 8 July, in the 14th week of Ordinary Time.  

Madison Cunningham with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Little Things with Great Love’.  

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.  

Matthew 10:7-15

As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for labourers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgement than for that town.  

There is a saying that the success of any enterprise depends on its preparation. Maybe you have had events during the year that have required very considered preparation to meet all the restrictions we have been living with?  

Jesus is taking a radical approach. Go, not only as you are, but with even less. Make yourself vulnerable, dependent. And yet, still powerful, with the gifts that God has given you. Offer peace, hold no grudges, move on. Do any of these instructions find meaning with you? Are you challenged or consoled by the journey of the disciple?  

As you listen to the passage again, hear the instruction being given to you… How will you respond?  

Jesus asks you to ‘Proclaim the Good News’. Can you be open with the Lord now so that he may guide your way?

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.