The Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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 his payment.  Do not move about from one house to another.

Even when serving God, we will be tempted to misuse our talents and authority for personal gain or become prideful. This is why Jesus warns his disciples to carry nothing with them. He wants them to depend upon God, not themselves. He wants them to realize that God is the source of their good works. He also warns them to stay in the same house, to eat whatever is offered, and not to move around. This is because they should trust in Jesus’ words and that God will provide what they need. They should not seek out a more comfortable place. Instead, they should follow the guidance Jesus has given them and they shall receive the payment they deserve. In the same way, we are called to depend upon the Holy Spirit, listen to His inspirations, and do our good deeds not for selfish reasons, but because God wants us to do them.

Are we willing to trust in God completely? Are we willing to give up our personal interests and accept what God offers us? How can we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us more perfectly?

O Lord, we trust in you and will carry your peace wherever you call us to go.

Amen.