Luke 9:1-6 (NRSV)
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Chapter 9Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, Verse 2and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. Verse 3He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money-not even an extra tunic. Verse 4Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. Verse 5Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." Verse 6They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere.
Devotion
Advent is a journey toward Christmas. During these days of that journey we encounter a cacophony of voices telling us Christmas is about buying,
about having enough things. In a time of economic recovery, we may even be made to feel badly for not buying enough things. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells his disciples how things fit into the preparation for a journey: They don’t. As he sends them out to preach and heal, Jesus says, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money…” (v. 3). The focus of this journey has absolutely nothing to do with things. Hmmmm. This is a tough one.
Prayer
Heavenly Guide, as we journey toward Christmas, help us find the balance between celebrating the good things in your creation—including the joy and generosity of gift giving—and awareness of the true and thing-less focus of this particular journey. Amen.