Sunday, July 14, 2024

In our Gospel this weekend, Jesus sends His disciples out on their first mission with very specific instructions.  These instructions seem weird: first, two by two.  No one goes alone. Then no food, no sack, no money, no extra clothing.  Doesn’t seem very practical, does it? Finally, if not accepted, they are simply to leave and “shake the dust” off their feet.  What is going on?
 
I think Jesus is making sure that they know it is God’s mission, not theirs.  If they had all the provisions they needed to survive, they could think they were in control.  With nothing, they knew that it was not about them and they were not in control.  It is the same with going two by two.  Alone, a person could get off track, allow their ego to get in the way.  When two are together, they can keep each other focused on the mission.  Finally, I think “shake the dust” is simply saying, “don’t let your ego get in the way, don’t take rejection personally.”  It is not about you: do your best and then move on.  Positive results are because of God’s grace, not your efforts.
 
All of that comes down to being an effective but dispassionate instrument in God’s hand: rely on Divine Providence for what is needed, listen to your companion, and move on once you have done your work.  Keep yourself and your ego out of the way.
 
This is good advice for us.  We also are sent into the world to bring God’s love to others.  It will not be done with money or things.  Success does not depend on us or our skills. We simply have to do our best to live the Gospel of love and let the rest up to the Lord.  Our participation in community and the Mass will help us keep our egos out of the way, as we struggle to be good disciples.
 
Let us thank God for including us in the plan of salvation and ask for the grace to be growing in our ability to live the Gospel of love.  God bless.
 
Church sign: Don't feel totally, personally, responsible for
everything. That's my job. Signed, God