Wednesday – St. Vincent de Paul   

Gospel – Luke 9:1-6

Traveling Light!

Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv

With all of our recent trips to Tennessee, Ginger and I are at a point in our lives where the last thing we want to do is check a bag at the airport. I mean, why add more time running to baggage claim, wait for the bag and then leave.  Time is a-wasting!

That means figuring out not just what to bring but how to pack it all into a carry-on.  Not so easy!  But, after our 10 day trips to the Holy Land, Ginger has become a whiz at organizing and packing our luggage.  What to bring, what not to bring.  And then the arranging and sorting of clothes for each day! And finally the actual packing, making sure everything fits!  And trust me, she has discovered some really cool ways to expertly make use of every inch of space. 

And then in today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus’ travel tips to the disciples.  Essentially what NOT to bring, what NOT to pack!  No walking stick, no sack, no food, no money, no extra clothing; in fact, don’t even pack a bag.  Just get moving on your way!  The disciples don’t even know how long a trip it will be!

The point is clear: focus on your mission; focus on spreading the Word!  God will provide everything else.  Let go of everything else, all those things you think you need. And just put your faith in the Lord; He will see to your needs for food and shelter; He will take care of you.  Don’t be so concerned about what you’re going to eat, where you will sleep or what you will wear.  Focus your hearts on what is truly important; our faith.  And travel light!

Great Spirit, help me today to direct my thoughts and prayers to you.  Help me to not be distracted by the cares of the world or those ‘things’ that the world insists I need for happiness.  Guide me along a straight path that leads to the Kingdom of Heaven.

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