Thursday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time

 Lectionary: 458

Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
'Peace to this household.'
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.

Jesus's disciples carry an enormous responsibility as they depart Jerusalem for all parts of the world; but it's also a very light burden. Or as he called it, a yoke. They should carry no more than that for it's all the provision they will need. It is that Shalom which God had intended for Jerusalem since the days of Solomon [whose Hebrew name is Shelomoh].

As to their physical needs of food, clothing, and shelter, nations hungry for the Word of God will eagerly provide for them. Indeed, if they lack self-restraint and the right spirit, they will plunder the nations as the Hebrews did when they left Egypt. 

Our first duty as Christians, Catholics, and citizens of a nation, is to be peaceful. We pacify not by overcoming resistance but by calming our own hearts. And then we acknowledge the hurt and fear and resistance of the world before the Good News of Jesus. We announce to everyone who is willing to hear:

...your service has ended,

your guilt is expiated,

you have received from the hand of the LORD

double for all your sins. (see Isaiah 40:2)

The vast majority will welcome this Gospel with relief and elation. They have suffered long enough under those who make their authority felt. Their oppressors might be kings and emperors; but they will also be abusive spouses and domineering parents. They will be rabbis, priests, and ministers of religion. Anyone whose freedom is entangled in status, power, or property will regard the teachings of Jesus with suspicion. 

In fact, everyone has their moment when the Lord's freedom seems to ask too much. They cling with a death grip to vague, uncertain securities. Each is invited to let go, and Let God be God of their entire life and every moment of it. As they surrender to the peace which asks nothing more than everything -- and nothing less -- they will know their guilt is expiated and their sins atoned. 

As leaders of the Church assemble for the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis has urged them to leave their ideologies at home. It's not about ordained women, married priests, or remarriage of divorced persons. They can dismiss their angry agendas, but bring their shalom. They need to discuss and discover how the Lord speaks to his obedient church, and the complex processes of listening.  

The Church doesn't have to be relevant. We don't market Jesus. His victory is already certain. The Lamb of God has won the right.

They sang a new hymn:

“Worthy are you to receive the scroll

and to break open its seals,

for you were slain and with your blood you purchased for God

those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation.

You made them a kingdom and priests for our God,

and they will reign on earth.” (Rev 5:9)