General News (St. Luke)

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time: A Reflection

Our readings today remind us to live our lives in total surrender to God’s care. The Gospel recounts when Jesus instructs His twelve apostles to begin their missionary work two by two. He encouraged them to take very little — a walking stick and sandals. If you can recall a time you packed for a trip, or even left the house for a day’s travel, you might remember making a list or packing days in advance.

We tend to pack so we know we will be comfortable. If we extend this concept of “comfort” into other areas of our lives, we will most likely find a few instances where we ensure life is comfortable. It could be buying extra food at the grocery store, making sure we have the most updated technology, or even feeling safe in our bank accounts. It is not bad to have extra food in the pantry or a new phone. And it isn’t bad to save money. These things can be good when used properly. But what if we are looking to these things for comfort, security or even happiness?

Imagine if Jesus approached you and said, “Go out and do my work, but you can only bring a walking stick and shoes.” Would you be willing to surrender all the rest? A key component of living out our call as Christian stewards is total surrender. It is trusting in God during our best moments and our hardest. It is looking to Him for security, comfort and happiness.

Reflect on the ways you might be looking for comfort in the things of this world. Tangibly find a way to become independent from that “thing” so that you can become more dependent on God.

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