Bringing Nothing but Blessing

February 1, 2024 – Thursday of the 4^th Week in Ordinary Time

Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020124.cfm)

Ten years ago I was sent abroad for a mission exposure, I was told that I got 30 kilos of baggage allowance for my flight. Few nights before my flight, I had my own inventory on what I should bring for the one year mission experience in Indonesia. I kept looking at my things worried that I might forget something important and something that “I might need.”

Aside from clothes, I prepared small things, vitamins and preventive medicines against malaria, books, camping and survival kit, treats and sweets for my sweet tooth and many other small things. Unsurprisingly, my luggage was overweight and I had to pay a few thousand pesos for that.

Indeed, the worries and anxiety that I might need this and that made my luggage heavy and overweight. I was also overburdened as I carried my luggage. After all, when I was in the mission area, there were many things that I brought but I was not able to use them. I realized I had more than enough.

Such a situation may also be true in other aspects of our life. One may be overburdened in his or her relationship because of the emotional baggage the person brings. An emotional baggage such as trauma from the past, guilt, shame, fear, anger, hatred or other insecurities could make our life more difficult and at times overwhelming and suffocating.

This is how I find today’s Gospel passage to be so meaningful and significant. Jesus sent out the Twelve, two by two. They were given power to cast out unclean spirits and heal the sick. However, in their journey, Jesus told them “to bring nothing except a walking stick.” They were “allowed to wear sandals but not a second tunic.”

This journey sounds a bit harsh and difficult. A disciple could feel so vulnerable and insecure for not having other things in the journey. Yet, Jesus “gave them authority.” That authority is power. And that power is to bring blessing.

Despite the poverty they had, the small things they possessed, the very presence of God among them and the power given to them suffice what they need. Moreover, such attitude to bring nothing but a walking stick was a invitation. There are two invitations here.

1. First, to trust the generosity of God. The Lord shall provide the needs of His friends. The ever abiding presence of God is with them and to fully trust in God’s Providence is truly an act of faith. This is the realization of David at the end of his life. He learned to let go and entrust everything to God who is good and merciful. He is going the way of all flesh, as he said. God
2. Second, to trust the generosity of the people. The reason why they were to bring nothing was to allow themselves become companions and friends of the people whom they were to encounter. They may have the power given by God to them, yet, they were not above the people or apart from the people. They were equal in status as companions and friends. They were to live among the people and be immersed in the life of the people. This is where the generosity of the people is welcomed and received with gratitude.

Indeed, may we also learn and trust more the generosity of God and the generosity of people around us. That generosity may not be always material but also as an expression of support and understanding, warmth and affection, friendship and intimacy, care and compassion, mercy and forgiveness.

Hence, as we move forward in whatever phase, track, or path we are in this journey of life, may we bring blessing to others. Hinaut pa.