July 15, 2012
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
When I am heading to the airport on vacation, I always ask myself: “what did I forget to pack?†I calm myself by feeling my passport in one pocket and my wallet in the other. I can manage along the way no matter what is missing. Jesus sends “the 12†on mission with little provisions: a walking stick and sandals but no sack, no food, no money and no second tunic. They are expected to travel light – knowing they carry the most precious possession of all: God’s grace and Christ's confidence in them. They begin their missionary journey trusting in God’s providence, in each other, and in recipients of the Word they preach who will extend hospitality and welcome. Apostles are given the difficult task of announcing the kingdom, of expelling demons and of healing the sick – relying not on their own resources but on Christ’s abiding presence. In their weakness and poverty, they discover His strength. In all our lives there are things we carry that weigh us down that we need to let go of: external possessions and inner anxieties and bitterness. At the airport, a woman had too much luggage. She couldn’t board the jet without paying the price or leaving articles behind. St. Teresa of Avila reminds us: “God is sufficient.†Travel light in Christ.
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13th Sunday Ordinary Time
