Luke 9:1-6 NRSVue
1Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey: no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. 4Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. 5Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 6So they departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere.
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Reflection on Luke 9:1-6
Inspiration from 2026-09-23 Daily Prayer
If we had been with Jesus the day the disciples were sent out for the first time, I expect his pep talk might have gone something like, ‘Take little with you, and keep your mind on the job’. The world the disciples encountered was pretty messed up, as perhaps is our own – so, Lord, please take our hand and guide us, and help us leave those we meet in a better state than we find them.
Further reflection
God is not to be forced on people. God's love and care are an invitation to each of us to allow God to be part of our lives. The disciples of Jesus are to move on if they are not welcomed. Hostility can cling like dust to the feet, and hinder further growth. It is the same with our personal life. Prayer invites us to let go of hostility, antipathy and hurt, both from us to another, and from another to ourselves. There is always a future of hope and freedom when we pray.
Most of us would like to bring good news wherever we go. We know people whose lives light up the lives of others. We know the opposite too! Daily prayer calms the soul, gives joy and peace; it gives a new perspective on worries and anxieties. It is our time of relaxing into the mystery of being loved by God.