He summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal [the sick]. 3 He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. 5 And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” 6 Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.
In this passage, Jesus commissions the twelve apostles, giving them authority over sickness and evil. This moment shows that the mission of spreading God’s kingdom is not just about words, but about the power of God working through those sent. By sending them without extra provisions, Jesus emphasizes trust in God and reliance on the hospitality of others. Disciples are to focus on the mission itself rather than their own comfort.
The instruction to shake the dust from their feet when rejected is a symbolic act. In Jewish culture, this gesture declared that responsibility for the rejection lay with those who refused the message, and it marked a decisive separation from those who would not welcome God’s Word. It is not a sign of anger but a witness to the consequences of refusing God’s kingdom.
Jesus’ guidance for the apostles highlights several key principles for discipleship. First, the mission is rooted in God’s power, not human strength. Healing and authority over evil come from God, showing that the work of the Kingdom is supernatural. Second, disciples must be free from attachment to material concerns, relying on God’s providence and the goodwill of others. Third, the focus is on proclamation and service: proclaiming the Kingdom and serving those in need are inseparable.
The Fathers often note the courage and humility required in such a mission. St. John Chrysostom (c. 347-407) reflects that being sent without provisions teaches disciples to depend on God and the charity of others, shaping them into true witnesses of the Gospel. This passage invites all who follow Christ to step out in faith, trusting God to provide and using whatever authority He gives for the service of His Kingdom.
The apostles’ journey from village to village reminds us that the work of the Kingdom spreads through active witness. It is not passive but involves reaching out, serving, and sometimes facing rejection. The calling to share God’s Word continues today: each Christian is invited to proclaim God’s love through both words and deeds, trusting that God leads the mission and empowers us in every step.
May we, like the apostles, be ready to go where God sends us, depend on His providence, and carry His peace and healing to the world.
Heavenly Father, help us to trust in your power as we share your Word. Teach us to rely on your providence, serve those in need, and bring your peace wherever we go. Strengthen our faith, guide our steps, and let your healing and love shine through us. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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Sources and References:
- The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition (2011).
- A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture, ed. Orchard et al. (1953).
- The Navarre Bible: Luke, Faculty of the University of Navarre (2008).
- The Paulist Biblical Commentary, ed. Chiu et al. (2018).
- St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew and Luke, c. 347-407.
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