Memorial of Saint Benedict, abbot
(Genesis 46:1-7.28-30; Matthew 10:16-23)
Today’s gospel has two time settings. The first is obviously during Jesus’ ministry. Jesus sends his apostles before him to create
anticipation among the people. The
second is after Jesus’ death when the apostles are to proclaim him as Savior of
the nations.
Jesus orders his preachers not to take anything with them on
the journey. He is giving them a lesson
in trust. The apostles will soon realize
that any success they have is not a product of their own striving but a gift
from God. Jesus further warns his
preachers that they can expect treachery on the journey but that should not
deter them. In fact, it should encourage
them because it guarantees their salvation.
We should see ourselves as part of this great mission of
Jesus. We can support missionaries with
money, but it is ever more necessary that we give testimony to Jesus ourselves. One example: a man brought his family home
after the Eucharist on Holy Thursday. He
didn’t take off his coat but told his son that he was going back to church to
spend some time with his friend Jesus. We
should not be surprised to learn that the man’s son is a priest today.