Devotion 

Go Preach God’s Kingdom

Frances Taylor 

Jesus is sending out the apostles to preach the Good News of God's Kingdom and to heal the sick. But he told them to take nothing with them. What he is saying is that he will be with them so they don't need anything else. We, too, have been sent by virtue of our baptism to preach the Good News, and we have everything we need because Jesus is with us. There's a tradition that St. Francis of Assisi said that we should preach everywhere and if necessary use words. In other words, our actions should speak for us. This passage also tells us that not everyone will be receptive to our message, but that's not our concern. We are only charged with the preaching. What we do need to have is the knowledge of the reasons for our faith. It is one thing to talk about salvation, but others want to know why they should believe. They want to know why it's important to those of us who are Christian. If it's just so that we can get to heaven, I'm not sure that's enough. It wouldn't be for me. To know how Jesus has revealed himself in the ordinary of your days is much more powerful. To learn how our faith has supported us in our darkest days, and has brightened up our good days, will let them understand why God has a part in our life now, not just after we die. Think about the reasons for your faith, so that you will be able to explain it to your children, your friends, and anyone who notices your joy and wants to know the reasons for it.

Prayer 

Lord, you sent out your apostles as you send us out to preach the Good News of the Kingdom, the promise of salvation. May we trust that you will be with us as you were with your apostles as we spread your message in our words and in our actions. Amen,