Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 11, 2024

Date: Thursday of 14th Week in Ordinary Time/ Memorial of St. Benedict

Scripture Text:  Mt 10:7-15

Jesus said to his Apostles:

“As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words—go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel immediately follows Jesus’ calling of the 12 and preparing to send them on mission for the Kingdom. In today’s text, Jesus gives more details of their mission and how they are to conduct themselves. They received their own call and gifts without cost from the LORD, and they are to spend them on the mission without charge. Lastly, they are to trust in the LORD and the goodness of those receiving them for their needs while on mission.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I willing to go where Christ sends me? Am I willing to trust in the goodness of those to whom I am sent to serve?

Praying:

LORD, from my conception, You have gifted me with your transformative love, with gifts specific to me, and with blessing and graces in abundance. May I use what You have given me so generously and graciously as generously and graciously in service to You and to my sisters and brothers. Stir trust in my heart and mind for the other to whom You send me to share my love of You and my faith in You. Make of me a loyal disciple and a loving child. May my mission in your name and for your glory be fruitful. Be with me, LORD, I pray.