The sending of the 12

Gospel

Matthew 10:7-15

You received without charge: give without charge

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘As you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils. You received without charge, give without charge. Provide yourselves with no gold or silver, not even with a few coppers for your purses, with no haversack for the journey or spare tunic or footwear or a staff, for the workman deserves his keep.

‘Whatever town or village you go into, ask for someone trustworthy and stay with him until you leave. As you enter his house, salute it, and if the house deserves it, let your peace descend upon it; if it does not, let your peace come back to you. And if anyone does not welcome you or listen to what you have to say, as you walk out of the house or town shake the dust from your feet. I tell you solemnly, on the day of Judgement it will not go as hard with the land of Sodom and Gomorrah as with that town.’

Reflection

In this passage, Jesus sends out His twelve disciples with a powerful mission: to proclaim the nearness of God’s kingdom and to serve others freely, just as they have received freely. The instruction to “give without charge” reminds us that the gifts of healing, compassion, and the message of hope are not commodities to be bought or sold but blessings to be shared generously. Jesus also teaches reliance on God’s provision and the hospitality of others, emphasizing trust and humility. The call to shake the dust off when rejected challenges us to remain faithful without bitterness or resentment. How might I embrace a spirit of generosity and trust in God’s provision in my own life and service?

Prayer

Loving God,

Thank You for the abundant gifts You have freely given me—Your mercy, Your love, and Your grace. Help me to share these gifts generously with others, without expecting anything in return. Teach me to trust in Your provision and to carry Your peace wherever I go. Strengthen me to respond with grace even when I face rejection, and keep my heart open to the needs of those around me. May my life be a reflection of Your kingdom drawing near.

Amen.

Comments

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