In the Gospel, Jesus sends the Twelve out on their first mission, and His instructions are radical. He tells them to take nothing but a walk...
In the Gospel, Jesus sends the Twelve out on their first mission, and His instructions are radical. He tells them to take nothing but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts. Why? Because Jesus wanted their Power to come from their message, not their resources. He wanted them to be completely dependent on the Father’s providence. When we have nothing else to lean on, we finally learn how to lean on God.
This mission required a total Purpose. They weren't tourists; they were ambassadors. They were to stay where they were welcomed and shake the dust from their feet where they were not. Their focus had to be singular: the repentance and healing of the people.
We see this same singular focus in Saint Agatha, whom we honor today. Agatha lived in the third century and was a woman of incredible Purity—not just in the physical sense, but in the purity of her intention. She belonged entirely to Christ. When a powerful Roman official tried to force her into sin and idol worship, she refused. She was tortured, her body was mutilated, and she was eventually martyred.
Agatha was "stripped" of everything, much like the Apostles in the Gospel. She had no worldly protection, no wealth to bribe her captors, and no sack for the journey. Yet, she possessed a power that terrified her persecutors. She knew her purpose: to witness to the love of Jesus until her last breath.
As David told Solomon in our first reading, we are called to "be strong and show ourselves" as faithful servants. Whether you are sent into your workplace, your school, or your home today, remember that you don't need "extra baggage" to be an apostle. You only need a heart that is pure in its love for Christ and a firm grasp on your purpose. Travel light, and let God’s power be your only true garment.
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