The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101814.cfm) reminds me that God provides for those who are truly dependent on Him
The gospel shows us Jesus asking the disciples to trust God:
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter,
first say, ‘Peace to this household.’
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves payment.
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter,
first say, ‘Peace to this household.’
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves payment.
Jesus instructed his disciples to bring just what is necessary, the very basics. How light the disciples must have felt in that trip. No extra things to weigh them down. But Jesus reminded them that they will have people who would provide for what they need. God will send people to bless them and help them in their journey. They survived with only the very basics.
However, in today’s day and age, we feel that as though we need a lot of things to survive. There are a lot things that we feel we need with us every time. When we travel, we bring with us smartphones, portable charger, among others. That’s why sometimes, instead of enjoying our journey and focusing on it, our attention is divided because we have to think of what we brought, making sure nothing gets lost or left behind, checking if we have battery, and spare battery, to take pictures; making sure there’s signal for mobile and internet use and social media uploads.
This is exactly what Jesus did not want to happen to his apostles. He wanted them to remain simple so they could focus on their task. More than that, they wanted them to have faith that God will provide as they stay focused on God.
As I look at my things, what are the extras that seem to be necessities to me? As I look at my life, what are the extras that seem to be necessities? What are weighing me down? What things, people or habits are hindering me from focusing on God and on the task he has for me? What 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!
Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for reminding me 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, and from fully depending on you. Lord, there are a lot of distractions in life, and I ask that you help me keep my focus on you. I am sorry for allowing myself to be distracted, and for considering as necessary some of the extras in life. Help me have faith and depend on you as I take this journey towards you. I have faith that you will always provide as long as I focus on you and put you first. Amen.
Blessed weekend!
In Christ,
-g-
Ps
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