REFLECTION FOR TODAY
July 11, 2021
By Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA
He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts. Mk.6:8
In sending the disciple out in pairs, Jesus gave them an instruction on the journey and mission as reflected in our gospel reference today “take nothing for the journey”. By this instruction, it was clear that that the disciples should not take any supplies for the road but simply trust in God for they need.
In the mind of Jesus, God will provide for their needs. God the Provider would open the hearts of believers to take care of their needs. This instruction of Jesus also suggest that the apostles should not be like some preachers in our present today who are interested only in material riches.
Jesus knew that when the apostles went into any town or village to evangelize, a family or house would take them in, welcome them, and give them what they needed, because hospitality was an important religious tradition in Palestine. By His stern instruction, Jesus seems to be saying, “If people refuse to listen to you or to show you hospitality, the only thing you can do is to treat them as an orthodox Jew would treat a Gentile or a pagan.” Shake off the dust from your feet.
Does God care about the smallest details in your life? Does He care about you receiving proper food and housing? Does He care about your proper emotional, material and spiritual support? He certainly does!
Sometimes it can happen that we fail to realize how completely God cares for us. We can fall into the trap of getting consumed by the fear and anxiety of daily concerns. We can worry that we will not have enough for tomorrow or even today. This worry can concern us regarding all parts of our lives—relationships, emotions, material needs, spiritual strength, etc.
What we need to know, with complete certainty, is that God is attentive to every detail of our lives. He knows all and loves us in such a complete way that He will never abandon us for anything. He will never allow us to be without those things we need to live a full and fruitful life.
Do you believe that? At times it can be hard to believe. At times we can feel overwhelmed and believe that we must take care of everything ourselves. It is true that we are called to offer all our energy and talent to God so that He can use us and work through us. But we should never forget that God is ultimately the one taking care of us and is the one most attentive to our every need.
Reflect today, on the level of abandonment that you have to divine providence. How much do you worry about the needs of today? how much do you depend on yourself thus forgetting that the power of God is always working and turning things around for your God. Begin today to trust in divine providence and start to abandon all to Him.
Lord Jesus, You the source of our lives. You have called us to trust in God for all our needs. Many times, in the past we have failed to trust in divine providence. Today I abandon myself completely to you. Do with me what you will for I know you have my best interest in mind. Jesus, I trust in you.