Do not take gold or silver for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. (Matthew 10:10)

Lately, I have become inspired by the idea of long-distance kayak trekking, and (to the likely disappointment of my wife), I find myself informally planning a multi-day kayak trip down a 56-mile stretch of river that flows northeast of Omaha.  Last night, I thought about what I would need to pack – specifically, the food and supplies that I would need to keep dry and safe for my trip.  For me, part of the enjoyment is in the preparation for the journey.  I love making lists, checking things off, and taking all the necessary steps to ensure a successful outcome.

Reading the Gospel passage for today, I found myself called to reflect on our spiritual journey, just as Jesus’ Apostles certainly did.  In today’s passage, Jesus makes it clear that the point of our journey is one of service.  Jesus’s charge was no small task – curing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing lepers, and driving out demons must have appeared to the Apostoles to be monumental tasks.  What is required of this journey?  Well, it is not material possessions and wealth, as Jesus states.  Rather, it is a servant’s heart.

When I reflected on Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel passage, it led me to consider that which is important for this greater journey.  After all, in a society and culture that is inclined toward the acquisition of things, it can be difficult to sharpen our focus on this much deeper purpose.  Jesus charged his Apostles with the task of bringing their gifts to the service of others.  In response, I invite us to consider – what talents do we have to share?  And how will we bring our gifts to the service of the poor, marginalized, and those who need them most?

Jesus closes his comments today with the ominous warning that “it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day and judgment than for a town [unworthy of the peace that the Apostles bring to it]” (Matthew 10:15).   I can’t help to think that one way to make ourselves worthy of the peace of Christ’s love is by bringing that same peace to others.  I pray that together, as a global faith community, that we will find ways to do that so that we may be better prepared for the spiritual journey that lies ahead.