Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
In our gospel reading, Jesus is preparing his apostles for their first mission without him. He has already given them authority over evil spirits and to drive out disease. He also provided marching orders on how they were to proceed from place to place. “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.” (Mt 10:16) I’m originally from rural northwest Ohio with family who have raised sheep. In talking to my brother-in-law about them, it is easy to see why Jesus so often compared us to this lowly animal. To start with, sheep are not very smart; they need to be protected and always seem to be wandering off and getting themselves into predicaments. With this in mind, the comparison in today’s gospel is somewhat disconcerting, both to the apostles and for me as I think about its application in my life. Being sent as sheep among wolves certainly sounds like a suicide mission. The apostles knew how ruthless the world could be living in the Roman empire and had seen first-hand the dysfunction of their own religious leaders. They would be lambs led to the slaughter.
Yet, Jesus doesn’t stop there. After all, this is a commissioning, a pep talk, a motivational speech, inspirational instructions to send us on mission. But how do we take it to be shrewd as serpents yet simple as doves? Those are complete opposites, right? I tend to think of snakes as a symbol of evil, deception, trickery. However, the word used today is shrewd--having or showing sharp powers of judgment, astuteness. Doves are docile, innocent, simple. To live in simplicity is to be clear and transparent, honest and consistent in relationships with others. No secret agenda, no hidden intentions; sincere and straightforward, with nothing to hide. Is it possible to be astute, prudent, sharp AND simple, docile, uncomplicated?
As I contemplate what this means, I find comfort in what Jesus says in the middle of his instructions, “You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Mt 10:20) As we strive to live the gospel, trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit is of prime importance. We believe in a God of love and mercy, service and sacrifice, and who accompanies and guides. Shrewd and simple...here we go.
Abundant Blessings,
Brandon Meyer