Receive What Jesus Gives You! Be Dependent upon the Lord!
Father Hugh Gillespie, SMM
Receive What Jesus Gives You! Be Dependent upon the Lord!
In today’s first reading from Proverbs we hear about something that all humans have struggled with since Adam and Eve.
We hear about the Word of the Lord. We need to be content with what we have. Hmmm! Hear more within the Homily!
We hear from scripture of the danger of abundance. In our wealth and abundance, I will deny the Lord! We won’t forget the Lord; we will deny the Lord! Curious prediction! The idea is when I have an abundance, I no longer need to turn to anybody, or trust anybody! Why? Because of the notion that our wealth will keep one safe! My abundance will sustain me. Rather than leaning on God and His gifts, people with abundance focus on their wealth.
Curious. In the Blessing of Abundance, if we are not careful, my heart will become numb. At that moment there is no need to turn to the Lord. Hear more within the Homily!
Our Relationship With God
Our relationship with God, must have us in the receiving position. We need to receive what God has for us! If we rely on ourselves because we have too much … or too little …. we have nothing.
It is this disposition that we hear about the Gospel reading. The Lord gathers his disciples and will send them out. Before He does so, He gives them a gift. The disciples have authority over all diseases. He gives them authority and they must receive that specific authority.
The Lord Gives the Disciples What They Need
The Lord makes it clear! The disciples do not need anything else, beyond what (the authority) the Lord has given them. They do not need extra clothes, food, or a walking stick. They have what they need! What the Lord is really saying to His disciples . . . and to us . . . is do not be overly concerned or preoccupied with other things you think you may need. Leave them behind and focus on what the Lord has given them.
Why? Because the moment we start thinking of what else we need, we move further away from what the Lord has given them! Note also what the Lord means by these actions! If the Lord sends them with a specific job and specific authority, then I (the Lord) will support you . . . I will look after you . . . I will make sure you have what you need!
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Receive What Jesus Gives You! Be Dependent upon the Lord!
Calling of the Apostles: Italian Artist: Domenico Ghirlandaio: 1481
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Gospel: Luke: 9: 1-6
First Reading: PRV: 30: 5-9
Receive What Jesus Gives You! Be Dependent upon the Lord!