A reflection on Matthew 10:7-10
Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang
As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick.
Matthew 10:7-10
Trusting God
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke share similar instructions from Jesus to his Apostles, but with slight differences. For example, Mark’s version (Mark 6:8-9) allows the Apostles to carry a walking stick and wear sandals, while Matthew (10:10) and Luke (10:4) tell them to go without even these basics. These variations likely reflect the different needs of early Christian communities in and beyond Palestine. In Mark’s account, the details suggest a later time when the church was spreading. Above all, Jesus called his Apostles to rely completely on God for their needs, like food and shelter, trusting him to provide (see Mark 6:35-44 and 8:1-9 for examples of God’s provision). May we also trust in the Lord for all our needs.
Without gold, silver, sack or stick
The Apostles preached and healed the sick.
Traditional Chinese Translation
《沒有金子也沒有銀子》
不要帶金、銀、口袋或拐杖
使徒們傳道並醫治病人。
In younger years I used walking stick
to steady my steps on mountain hikes.
Carved from cherry wood sanded smooth,
Coated with stain for protection.
Fitted with a rubber tip.
In my older years my stick is cane,
made from aluminum,
tinsel strong, tipped with rubber.
No more hills and dales,
just the flight of stairs,
entering and exiting home.
God’s providential grace
arrives in any space.
During the ascents and descents,
On the levels, amidst tripping roots,
Slippery rocks, and summit tops.
Whether going or coming,
Divine assistance, ever flowing.
What a delightful journey of ascent and descent through the years, Ellen! May the Lord lift you up to his mountain of contemplation!
Neither gold nor silver,
Give good news freely.
Do I count the cost
Of the love I give?
Lord, teach me
To be generous,
To serve joyfully.
Amen!