Thursday – 14th Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel – Matthew 10:7-15

Marching Orders!

Rosary Procession, Nazareth

Years ago when I was about to move into my first apartment as a Sophomore at the University of Maryland, I can remember my mom and dad giving me a rather lengthy talk on all the things I should/shouldn’t do in order to survive.  There were instructions on laundry, grocery shopping, cooking, what I should/shouldn’t be eating, how to spend/save my money, cleaning, and remembering to call them OFTEN!  I am sure most of you went through something similar in your life. At some point, we all got our marching orders!

In yesterday’s Gospel, Jesus prepares to send His Apostles off to spread the Word.  Today He gives them their marching orders – all the do’s and don’ts.  Don’t bring any extra clothing, no money, no walking stick, no extra pair of sandals.  Go out and cure the sick, raise the dead, drive out demons.  And wherever you go, always greet people with a sign of peace.  And if people will not accept the Word, then just move on and continue the mission. 

We are all called to that same mission.  Maybe we won’t be healing the sick or raising the dead.  But we are all called to spread the Word, to share and live out our Faith.  And we are all called to do so in peace.  Peace!  That should be very familiar to us.  We share a sign of peace at every Mass although these days it is from a distance.  And at the very end of Mass, when we are sent back out into the world, it is with PEACE!  The Mass is ended; go in PEACE.  Go in PEACE glorifying the Lord by your life. 

That is our mission!  That is our daily mission.  Go forth in peace and spread the Good News!  And remember – travel light!

Great Spirit, help me to appreciate the mission you have given me.  Let my mind be clear to hear your voice and peace-filled to share your word.   Aho! 

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