Dear Parishioners,

Today’s Gospel describes Jesus sending out his twelve disciples to go throughout the land preaching repentance and casting out unclean spirits. They were to travel from house to house and take very little with them so that they could depend on God and the charity of good people. Though it is a short and simple passage whose literal meaning is easily seen, everything our Lord does is symbolic of what He intends for priestly ministry in general.

Pope St. Gregory the Great, when reading this passage says that Jesus sent out the disciples two by two because they, “signify the twin precepts of charity.” These precepts are, “indispensable for the duty of Christian preaching. Those entrusted with this mission must always exemplify the love of God and neighbor.” So, even today this should be the aim of all those who preach. They proclaim the love of God to those who are loved by God. Though it may not always seem like it, when they preach for the repentance of others, it is an act of charity; since when we repent, we are really allowing ourselves to receive the love of God.

Then, these disciples are given the authority to cast out unclean spirits. That is exactly what priests and deacons do today when they give blessings. They remove objects from the secular realm to become means of grace for those who use them for devotion. If one is living a holy life, participating in the sacramental life of the Church (frequent worthy reception of communion and regular use of the sacrament of reconciliation), one does not need to worry about infestations of evil spirits. When people remove holy things from their lives, they open the door to evil spirits and make more room for them to occupy.

Our Lord also tells His disciples to carry very little and to be satisfied with where they are staying and what they are given. Likewise, when we priests are being our best, we are dependent on the good will of the people of God for everything we have. We do not choose our assignments but go where the bishop wills us to for the good of the Church. We priests should be dedicated to do what’s best for the people at that assignment. Our Lord even tells His disciples what they should wear and it reminds me how whenever we are on duty, it is good for priests to wear clerical clothing because it is what the Church gives us to wear, reminds us of our state in life and allows people to know who we are even before we say anything.

Lastly, when a house rejects the disciples, they are to shake the dust from their feet. Shaking off dust from your feet was a symbolic act done by Jewish people when they returned from traveling outside the Holy Land. They would symbolically shake the dust from their feet because they were now walking on holy ground and didn’t want to track in outside dirt. In context, it was an act of judgment on all the lands outside of Israel. Jesus takes the essential meaning of this act and applies it to those who reject the Gospel. Likewise, in our own lives, we should not get caught up in pointless arguments or holding grudges. Sometimes people do not want to listen and go their own way. Instead of trying to force the issue, it’s better to recognize there is a separation and pray for that person’s repentance. It is impossible to change someone unless they want to change and we can only hope that the Holy Spirit is working in their hearts.

Please pray for the holiness of all priests as I go on retreat this week.

God bless!

Fr. Carter