He instructed them to take nothing for the journey
but a walking stick--
no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
They were, however, to wear sandals
but not a second tunic.
but a walking stick--
no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
They were, however, to wear sandals
but not a second tunic.
Jesus instructed his disciples to just bring what is necessary, the very basics. He told them not to take anything except a walking stick. Bakit kaya special sya?
In those times, it was not unusual for people to have a walking stick. People, especially those advanced in age and those who often travel, have a walking stick. It helps them, kasi malalyo yung pinupuntahan nila dati. It gives them additional strength by acting sort of their third leg, or something that would support their weary legs so as not to take all the weight of the body. It is also used to protect themselves from stray animals. Pamalo. Also, we see in the bible God using the walking stick or staff to perform great things. Moses parted the red sea, led Israelites to victories in wars, and drew water out of a stone all by using a staff or a stick. Kaya important sya. Kaya basic sya.
How light the disciples must have felt.
In today’s day and age, we feel that as though we need a lot of things to survive. There are a lot of gadgets, smartphones, portable battery source and even internet, that we feel we need with us everytime. When we travel, laging ang daming dala kung ano ano. That’s why minsan, instead of enjoying our journey and focusing on it, our attention is divided because we have to think of what we brought, kung may battery ba to take pictures, kung may signal ba, kung may internet, kung may spare batter, etc.
This is exactly what Jesus did not want to happen to his apostles. He wanted them to remain simple and focus on their task. More than that, they wanted them to have faith that God will provide and stay focused on God.
As I look at my things, what are the extras that seem to be necessities to me? What is weighing me down? What things are hindering me from focusing on God and on the task he has for me? What things are hindering me from fully trusting and surrendering to God? Am I willing to let go?
May we be challenged and see what things we do not really need, the things that are taking our focus away from God and the task he has in store for us. Let us develop our faith in God’s providence – he still provides, until now!
Dear God,
I praise and thank you for the gospel. Thank you for reminding us the importance of staying light – to rid ourselves of anything and everything that prevents us from focusing on you and from doing what you want us to do. Lord, ang daming distractions sa mundo ngayon, and I ask that you help me keep my focus on you. I have faith that you will always provide as long as I focus on you and put you first. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
In Christ,
-g-
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