Wednesday, September 25, 2024

 

Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time

(Proverbs 30:5-9; Luke 9:1-6)

In recent years at least some Jesuit novices have been given a small sum of money and told to report to a Jesuit house in a faraway place.  Evidently, they are expected to buy a bus ticket and trust in Providence for their well-being.  The mission sounds like the one of the apostles in today’s gospel.

Jesus sends his apostles out with nothing in their pockets “just in case.”  Rather, they are to depend completely on God working mostly through the townspeople they encounter.  Of course, they will offer to the people release from demons, cures of diseases, and the good news of the kingdom. But these blessings are not a quid pro quo.  Rather, they represent God’s favor upon all who are open to His grace.  Indeed, Jesus indicates that some villagers will likely shut their doors in his apostles’ faces.

The dependency of the apostles upon Providence should perk up our consciences like a bugle call.  Today in our society most people, including church workers, strive to avert risks.  The credit card has long served as a way never to be caught without money.  With cellular telephones in emergencies help is only a few pushed buttons away.  Other resources like insurance policies protect against catastrophes.  Although these privileges are defended as prudential, they leave us with the disturbing question: What does it mean today to trust in God’s Providence if we insulate ourselves against all risks?

 

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