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Gospel Reading for September 25, 2024 – Luke 9: 1-6
CONCENTRATE
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.
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Jesus’ Ministry was so full of expelling demons, curing diseases and proclaiming the Kingdom of God. He now transfers the power and authority to the twelve disciples, who should not be bothered by trivial matters – both material needs and the acceptance of the people. They need to just CONCENTRATE on their mission.
What will make us falter in our mission as baptized Christians is our desire to stay physically comfortable and be well-accepted by the people we are sent to. These are MUNDANE matters and have no room when sent on a mission by God. Since it is God who sends us, he will take care of our materials needs, and all our efforts will be appreciated and accepted by him. THIS IS ALL THAT MATTERS.
Let us make this song by Dan Schutte, our prayer for today, HERE I AM, LORD –
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
my hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord. Is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them,
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord. Is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord. Is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
