Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick–no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them." So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
REFLECTION
gave them authority over unclean spirits.
In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments to follow on how to live and how to praise and worship Him. King David, on his deathbed, advised Solomon to take courage and be a man, to keep the mandate of the Lord, follow His ways, and to observe His statutes, commands, ordinances and decrees. The promise was that if his sons conducted themselves and remained faithful in heart and soul, there would always be someone of his line on the throne of Israel. We know the outcome of not keeping the law of God.
As Jesus walked and instructed the apostles, He taught them how to pray like Him, to do like Him and to learn about the Kingdom of God. They were always with Him, but now, He was sending them off two by two. Alone, with no food, no money, no sack and no second tunic. He gave them authority to drive out demons and preach repentance. The divine authority given to them was beyond anything they had ever known. They were not to rely on themselves but on Divine Providence. Humility, simplicity, forgiveness, and charity were theirs.
They were to depend solely on Jesus’ name and His authority. When we remain in the state of grace, we thwart the works of the devil, his lies and fake promises. Whatever our walk in life may be, may we follow God and His commandments, trusting in His care for us. How do we do this? We share and serve His love, humility and forgiveness to others. In all we do, we rely solely on His providence and His will. We will be amazed what God will do through us. What He can do with His priests.
Comments