Fourth Thursday of Ordinary Time

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. 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.

Although Jesus sends his disciples out into the world without food, sack, or money, he makes sure they are not alone. He gives them someone else to lean on, talk to, and share the experience with. God does the same for us in our lives. He never leaves us without help. He might ask us to make great and small sacrifices, but He always gives us someone to help us through our trials. Sometimes it is a family member or friend. Other times it is a neighbor or stranger. We have only to look around us to see who our companions are. But most of all, God is always with us. He is with us in the Eucharist and in our prayers. He is with us in our moments of self sacrifice. He is with us when we need the strength to carry our crosses. He is with us in the people whom we know, love, and serve. We might not see Him, but He is always there at our side.

Are we willing to go into the world and proclaim the Good News? Are we willing to trust in God’s Providence and give up those things that are keeping our hearts away from God? Do we remember that God is always with us, even in the midst of our greatest trials?

O Lord, send us forth to proclaim your message to all the nations.

Amen.