Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
In today’s readings, Solomon and the disciples are being prepared for their new mission. Solomon will take the throne, and the disciples are heading out two-by-two to preach repentance and to heal. But the preparation may not seem like what we would expect. When I am preparing for a new assignment or role in life, I try to acquire the knowledge and equipment I will need to be successful. I spend a little time identifying what I have now, but more time hoarding or getting what I lack. For instance, when I was preparing for my first backpacking trip, I read a book or two, went to the outfitter store, and learned to read trail maps. When I was becoming a father, I similarly sought out knowledge from family and books, made a registry and bought new furniture to fill the empty bedroom. Are you prepared for the work God has for you?
Jesus, on the other hand, spends half of his preparation talk telling the disciples what NOT to bring. No food, no luggage, no money. You can wear shoes, but not a change of clothes or a sleeping bag (second tunic). Since he had to tell them not to bring these items, we can assume they already had them handy. In other words, Jesus told them they were a little TOO prepared. They needed to trust God to provide for their needs and depend on the kindness of the people around them. Are you TOO prepared for the work God has for you?
David’s message to Solomon reinforces this idea. He essentially says what Mary said to the head waiter at Cana: ‘Do what God tells you to do.’ There’s no direct message about how to be a good King; instead the message is how to be a good servant. And the solid truth behind what both Jesus and David were saying is that God will take care of you. ‘Don’t worry!’ God will provide, trust in Jesus! I heard Spirit telling me, ‘Relax, you don’t have to equip yourself for Jesus’s mission; you just have to do whatever he tells you.’
Holy Spirit, please help us go about our days confident that you will give us all that we need to carry out your mission on Earth. Amen!
-Chris Nieport