WEDNESDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

MASS READINGS:

A reading of the holy Gospel according to Lk 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.

REFLECTION

“Take nothing for the journey"

I think many times of the past: what if I had or had not said something, would things have turned out differently? Unfortunately the past is gone forever, and no matter what, if I never let it go, the past will continue to be my present and my future.

If I worry about tomorrow will today be better? If I fret about the future, then I cannot live in the present because of my pending tomorrows. And we all know that the future might never materialize.

If we keep adding to our luggage we will carry unnecessary and burdensome loads. Is this what Jesus meant when He gave authority over all demons and to cure diseases? What kind of power does God want us to exercise in our personal life and service?

Jesus is trying to make our lives simple and peaceful. We should work as if we were going to die this afternoon. Work diligently for the Lord and His Kingdom, apologize immediately after offending, forgive because, if we don't, we might be begging God for His mercy without a good track record.

God can change and transform our lives. May we use that power that He has given us for good. May our poverty of spirit, keep us away from greed and a world view of "me, me and me".

God Bless You