The preparation for the mission of the Twelve is seen in the call of the first disciples to be fishers of men. They were set apart to be with Jesus and were given instructions that we could take to heart today: carrying the walking stick, travelling two by two, and shaking the dust off their feet. What can we learn from these images, these instructions?

First, carrying the walking stick: to have something to lean on as hills are steep and when roads get rough. A walking stick would help stabilize one’s balance. Our walking stick is our trust in God’s providence. We need to trust in God’s will that is interwoven into everything that happens to us. Planted within every event, including every failure and every rejection, is a seed of a new turn, a new life, a new grace that can be seen only through the eyes of faith.

Second, traveling two by two: to accomplish the task ahead, and to get it done well, we must have someone to journey with us. When we go forward to speak and to live out the Gospel message, we need a spiritual companion, a prayer partner: someone with whom we can pray with, and whom we know is praying for us, even across the miles.

Third, shaking the dust off one’s feet: to not be paralyzed by failure or rejection, and instead have the grace to move on, realizing that there are other towns, other opportunities, other people who are awaiting to hear the Gospel and receive Jesus’ truth with joy and dedication.

As a community of faith here at Saint Raymond’s, we remember that we are called to be apostles of the modern time: to spread the message of Christ by word and deed, by our way of life. All of us, by virtue of our baptism, are called to bring the message of Christ to the world, wherever we may be, whatever our vocation in life may be.

We are all on a journey. We are not wanderers but pilgrims and missionaries. In the words of Saint Augustine, we are called to be “in the world but not of the world”. We have a purpose and a goal in life, and we have God’s word to live by. Remember, if the Lord gives you a mission, He will also give you the resources and the grace to carry it out.

Sono semipro grate,
Father Erick

(For 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time)