Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority
over all demons and to cure diseases,
and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God
and to heal the sick.
He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey,
neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money,
and let no one take a second tunic.
Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there.
And as for those who do not welcome you,
when you leave that town,
shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.”
Then they set out and went from village to village
proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.
over all demons and to cure diseases,
and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God
and to heal the sick.
He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey,
neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money,
and let no one take a second tunic.
Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there.
And as for those who do not welcome you,
when you leave that town,
shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.”
Then they set out and went from village to village
proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.
Gospel Lk 9:1-6
Today’s Gospel reading speaks of those sent out by Jesus to spread the Good News and to bring healing to the afflicted. Today, His most prominent apostle journeys within the US to do these same things. Yes, he brings with him the Good News of Jesus Christ that has the power to transform those who have ears to listen. But, he also brings with him healing for a Church in need. For those who choose to take this opportunity to protest and raise their voices, they will miss the reality of the successor of Peter in their midst. For those who take the time to stop, listen, and be present, whether it is in a large crowd in DC, NYC, or Philly, or it from their homes using the gift of technology, there is an opportunity for grace.
Tracy Earl Welliver 
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