Gospel
Luke 9:1-6
Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 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. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them." Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the Good News and curing diseases everywhere.
Sermon
My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel recounts Jesus' commissioning of the Twelve Apostles for a profound mission.
Jesus empowers them with authority over demons and diseases, charging them to:
1. Proclaim the Kingdom of God
2. Heal the sick
He instructs them to travel lightly, trusting in divine provision:
- No walking stick
- No sack
- No food
- No money
- One tunic only
Their focus must be on the message, not material concerns.
Jesus' instructions also include:
- Stay in one house, avoiding distractions
- Leave peacefully if rejected
- Shake dust from feet as testimony against unwelcoming towns
The Apostles embark on their mission, proclaiming the Good News and curing diseases everywhere.
This passage challenges us:
1. Trust in God's provision
2. Prioritize spiritual focus
3. Embody compassion and healing
4. Courageously share the Gospel
As modern-day disciples, we are also sent forth:
- To proclaim God's love
- To serve the vulnerable
- To share our faith
May we embrace this call, trusting in Jesus' power and authority.
May we, like the Twelve Apostles, boldly proclaim the Kingdom of God, trusting in Jesus' power and authority. Amen.
Prayer
Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty, merciful, and loving God, we thank you for commissioning us, like the Twelve Apostles, to proclaim your Kingdom.
Empower us with your authority to:
- Heal the brokenhearted
- Bring hope to the despairing
- Share your love with the lost
Give us courage to trust in your divine provision, letting go of material concerns.
Help us prioritize spiritual focus, staying fixed on your message.
Grant us wisdom to navigate rejection, leaving peacefully and shaking dust from our feet.
May our lives embody compassion, healing, and bold proclamation of the Gospel.
We pray for:
- Courage to share our faith
- Guidance in simplifying our lives
- Strength in trusting your provision
- Opportunities to serve the vulnerable
- Empowerment to proclaim your love
May God's love and authority empower us to boldly proclaim the Kingdom, healing and transforming lives.
In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.
Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,
Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ