Luke 9:1-6

Proverbs 30:5-9

Psalm 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163

Luke 9:1-6

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority

over all demons and to cure diseases,

and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God

and to heal the sick.

He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey,

neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money,

and let no one take a second tunic.

Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there.

And as for those who do not welcome you,

when you leave that town,

shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.”

Then they set out and went from village to village

proclaiming the Good News and curing diseases everywhere.

Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are my Lord and my God. I trust in you. I long to dwell in your house all the days of my life. I look forward to the day when, in heaven, I will sing your glorious praises with the heavenly host, with all the angels and saints.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Proclaiming God’s Lordship Over All Things: Jesus’ Twelve Apostles were sent out to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God, to cast out demons, to heal the sick, and to cure diseases. This power and authority does not come from themselves but from God. Jesus is the one who gave them power and authority. The Apostles are not to rely on their own talents or strength but on the Father’s providence. The way they are sent out is itself a proclamation of the Kingdom. By not taking a walking stick, money, or second tunic, they proclaim God’s Lordship over creation and his providential care. They proclaim the dominion of God. God is God – He is in charge. He holds in his hands the threads of the world. God is acting now in our lives. He is a living God (Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth, vol. I, 55-60). Where God is absent, nothing can be good. Where God is not seen, man and the world fall to ruin (Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth, vol. I, 145).

2. Jesus as the Answer to Agur’s Questions: The Book of Proverbs concludes with the words of Agur (30:1-33); the words of Lemuel (31:1-9); and the praise of a good wife (31:10-31). Today’s First Reading is taken from the words of Agur. Agur begins with questions that challenge his listeners to see that God’s power and wisdom surpass them. He asks: “Who has ascended to the heavens and come down?;” “Who has gathered the wind in his fists?;” “Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?;” “Who has established all the ends of the earth?;” “What is his name, and what is his son’s name?” (Proverbs 30:4). The first question implies that no human being has acquired divine, heavenly wisdom. Only Jesus can claim such wisdom (John 3:13) (see Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, 51). The second, third, and fourth questions contemplate the magnitude of God's creation – it too surpasses us. The last question about the Son of God is difficult to understand, but with the coming of Christ, however, we know that God the Father has an eternal Son. This Son has come down from heaven, dwelt among us, demonstrated power over the wind and waters, and ascended to his heavenly throne where he now reigns!

3. God’s Providential Care: Human beings receive divine wisdom from God and the Word of God is trustworthy. When we hear the Word of God and accept it, it becomes for us a shield since it protects us from false and evil ways. Agur’s petition, in the First Reading, is full of humility. He asks to be removed from falsehood and to receive only what he needs. He feels that if he is poor he will be tempted to steal and that if he is rich he will be tempted to forget his dependence on God. In the Old Testament, then, Agur proclaims the greatness of God’s wisdom and power as well as our dependence on God, who cares for us and protects us. In the New Testament, the Apostles testify to the coming of the Kingdom of God through miraculous signs, which testify to the end of the reign of evil and sin, and through their poverty, they testify to God’s providential care. The Apostles share directly in Jesus’ mission to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom; they will witness the glory of the Kingdom on Mount Tabor; they will witness the inauguration of the Kingdom at the Last Supper and on the Cross; they will be sent out after the Resurrection and Pentecost to proclaim and extend the Kingdom established by Christ.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, send me to proclaim the Kingdom of God today. I pray that my actions correspond to my Christian faith and that I may witness to you in my words and good deeds. Empower me with your grace and the virtues of faith, hope, and charity so that what I do may give glory to you and the Father.

Living the Word of God: Can I dedicate time to read through part or all of the Book of Proverbs this week? If so, highlight the individual proverbs and verses that God wants you to put into practice or communicate to others. Are any of them worth memorizing?