FIRST READING
“Give me neither poverty nor riches, feed me with the food that is needful for me.”
A reading from the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 30:5-9)
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you, and you be found a liar. Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full, and deny you, and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor, and steal, and profane the name of my God.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 119:29.72.89.101.104.163 (R. 105a)
R/. Your word is a lamp for my feet, Lord.
Keep me from the way of falsehood;
grant me mercy by your law. R.
The law from your mouth means more to me
than large quantities of silver and gold. R.
Forever is your word, O Lord,
standing firm in the heavens. R.
I keep my feet from every evil path,
to obey your word. R.
I gain understanding from your precepts,
and so I hate all false ways. R.
Falsehood I hate and detest,
but I love your law. R.
ALLELUIA Mark 1:15
Alleluia. The kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the Gospel. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
“He sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 9: 1-6)
At that time: Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Today’s Reflection
He called the twelve and imbued them with power and authority to preach and spread the kingdom of God. They were instructed to carry out this task in simplicity and humility. But after 2000 years of existence of Christianity, is that power and authority still felt? How many preachers today adhere to the instruction to go out without seeking success through personal possession and material gain? The Lord has called us not to be successful but faithful to his call and his word.