Trust in Providence

Homily for Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Both of the readings for today’s liturgy are sets of instructions, one of David to his son Solomon, the other of our Lord to his disciples. David offers noble advice to his son though our reading omits other instructions from David telling Solomon to take revenge on various enemies. That advice is more like that of a mafia don. The instructions of Jesus to his disciples have none of that, of course, but they do show an awareness of how human sin can blemish their mission.

The instruction to take no bag and no money suggests a well-justified fear of contaminating the message and mission with money. Outside of power, the chief threat to good human behavior and to the mission of Jesus is wealth or the desire for it. The instruction to stay in the house that offers one hospitality is in a similar vein; don’t be looking for better accommodations. The disciples must avoid even the appearance of making money on the Gospel or on healing. As with power, the history of Christianity has shown how the desire, really the lust for wealth, can corrupt the faith.

The logic behind Jesus’ instructions rests in the need for the apostles to develop trust in God’s providential care. Jesus wanted them to be totally dependent upon God, not on money or fine accommodations. Because they had nothing with them other than a walking stick, they were completely at the mercy of those to whom they preached. The Gospel of Mark specifies that the apostles are to preach about repentance. Because human beings resist change, this topic is bound to have some negative connotations. However, if they place their trust in God, the apostles will learn that trusting in God’s providence is the only way to fulfill the mission of Jesus.

Of course, we too need to place our trust in God. Francis of Assisi built his spirituality around his love of poverty and his love of his brothers. In his rule, Francis tells us that if we have a need, we are to speak of that need openly with our brothers. Francis continues by saying, “As a mother loves the child of her womb, the brothers are to love one another with fraternal charity.”