Reflection
“Be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves”. A lovely phrase. Jesus does not insist on naivete for his disciples, no they should be people who understand the world, as wise as the crafty serpents. But they should be as peaceful as doves.
If Jesus were to send to you to the lost sheep of your country, what message of the Kingdom of Heaven would you have?
What Good News have you got to share?
If your Good News is a little thin, begin by counting and thanking God for the blessings in your life.
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To know Jesus more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.
Setting: A Scripture reading to imagine you are part of the scene.
Scripture
Matthew 10:1-16 WEB
Jesus called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother; Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, who was also called Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, saying, “Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of the Samaritans. Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
As you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons.
Freely you received, so freely give.
Don’t take any gold, silver, or brass in your money belts.
Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor sandals, nor staff:
for the labourer is worthy of his food.
Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you go on.
As you enter into the household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace return to you.
Whoever doesn’t receive you or hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.
“Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
Freely, Freely: written by Carol Owens