Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time
Hos 11: 1-4, 8e-9; Mt 10: 7-15
Dc. Larry Brockman
It’s all about Trusting God. That’s what Jesus told his disciples this morning as he sent them out two by two. They were to trust Him and depend on Him alone, not in themselves, and not in the reserves they have built up for themselves. He tells them that “The laborer deserves his keep”, implying that they need only do the mission they were sent to do and God will do the rest. They will get what they deserve to keep them going.
To make that point even clearer we have the first reading from Hosea. God, it seems, is lamenting over some of his people; people whom he has nurtured, yet they didn’t realize it; people whom He has spoken to, yet they have not listened. And even so, He vows not to destroy them in their disobedience and errant ways but to continue to speak to them and nurture them.
How does all of that apply to us? Surely all of us here are listening to God’s voice, and have a feel, as the disciples did for their call in the world. Surely all of us trust in God to provide for us.
And yet, realistically, do we really trust in God? I think many of us constantly worry about things rather than trust in God. We spend much of our time, perhaps the majority of our time, building our security rather than doing the work that God has in mind for us. We need the money belts, second tunics, and the walking sticks. We call them big bank accounts, lots of clothes and possessions, and second cars and toys. And aren’t we trusting our Financial Advisors more than we trust God?
Now don’t get me wrong. We have all got to be responsible. We need to embrace our calling and do it with enthusiasm and commitment. We all need to earn our keep. After all, Jesus says “The laborer deserves his keep”. But there is a difference between doing that, and being consumed by self-preservation.
That, I think is the point. All of us need to recognize where God is pointing us to go and make that a priority, trusting that God will bless our labors and keep us going, rather than the other way around; putting most of our efforts into our own plans and then fitting God’s work in when it is convenient.
I don’t know about you, but I have heard many stories about people who work hard for the Lord, but are pressed with worldly problems. They suffer losses and setbacks, but have an inherent trust that God will come through for them. They never lose their Faith; they pray with conviction. And they somehow prevail- almost miraculously- in the face of their trials. That certainly was Mother Theresa’s story. But the same is true close to home. I know of one group in particular that has been down to their last dollar, yet miraculously, their organization recovered and they are thriving today because they trusted in God.
I hope that all of you will give it a try. Like the disciples in today’s story, listen for God’s voice and mission. And then give it some priority, even if it means making a sacrifice in your own plans; even if you don’t have all the money and things you feel you need in this life. Do it anyway. Trust in God instead.
Tags: Trusting God