As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it.
If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Similar to how the apostles were tasked to go forth and set the work on fire with Jesus’ teachings, we are asked to do the same.
Although we are tired and beaten, faith moves us to continue on in times of desolation. We have been given all the gifts we need to continue.
Today, more than ever, we are called to share our gifts and lend a helping hand. We must learn to see the Gospel through a new lens. There are many people who are marginalized and are pushed out. Words and actions demonize others. So, let us allow ourselves to labor for God’s will by loving one another through actions, not just with words.
—Rocio Juarez is the Service Coordinator at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago and Maria Elena Juarez is the Assistant Director of Marketing and Events for the Midwest Jesuits. Both are proud alumae of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and Xavier University.
Prayer for Generosity
Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous;
teach me to serve you as you deserve,
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labor and not to seek reward,
except that of knowing that I do your will.
Amen.
—St. Ignatius of Loyola
Please share the Good Word with your friends!
