Give Without Cost

 Matthew 9: 25-10: 1: 5a ,6-8

 Our Mission

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’ Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.

We often read this passage as directed to a certain few who have a "vocation" as a priest, but it can be understood to apply to ALL OF US...We call can proclaim the Good News by word an action, perhaps not as dramatically as curing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing lepers or casting out demons, but simply be being living witnesses of God's love in listening to folks, especially the lonely who talk and talk and talk, by praying for them, and perhaps driving them to places they otherwise would not be able to go. Simple things go a long way, believe it or not.  Through them we make the kingdom of God something near and tangible.Let us give without cost, free of charge!

Bro. Rene 

Eternal God, you reveal the mysteries of the kingdom to those who put their faith in your promise of salvation. As we await the coming of your Son in glory, raise up men and women to bring your message of hope to a waiting world. Instill in them an unshakable trust in your divine providence and a zeal for ministry that will inspire your people to a deeper confidence in your saving power. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Holy Cross Novices