Thoughts for the Day

Jesus said to the disciples, '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. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for labourers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave.'

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

In the early 1980s Dioceses in the Church of England had to decide issues concerning the employment of full-time Deaconesses. In the past vocations had come from single or widowed women, but now married women were coming forward. Some Dioceses decided that no married women could apply until their children were at Secondary school. We had two very small children and I was asked in interview why I needed paying to work for the Church, while a question was asked in Diocesan Synod as to why a house should be provided. Luckily I had an enlightened Bishop who saw how things were changing.

In today's reading Jesus continues with his instructions to the disciples, giving them power to teach and heal. The instructions seem self-evident, but the times were different then, and Jesus taps into the rules already existing. Rabbis like Jesus were forbidden to charge for teaching their disciples, indeed it was forbidden to take payment for instructing anyone in the Law of Moses since the Law had been given freely to Moses by God. Neither would anyone expect a teacher to pay for their accommodation, it was considered a great privilege to invite a Rabbi into the home. They are to travel lightly, as though they were going to the Temple where no evidence of a man's work would ever be taken. It is interesting that none of the four Gospels say the Apostles went out in two's, although in a separate account Matthew and Luke mention sending out 70 and 72 men, and Luke that they went out in two's (10.1).

Perhaps we can use our prayers this day for all who teach and evangelise in our churches now, especially for those who do it freely out of love for the Lord Jesus and to help spread the Gospel.

Lord Jesus,
we remember in our prayers this day
all called to ministry:
those who teach and evangelise;
those who work with children and young people;
those who serve in hospitals and prisons;
those who work with the homeless;
those whose calling is to help the bereaved;
and those who seek to find their own vocation.
We especially thank you for all who offer
their gifts freely in Your name.
Amen.