Fifteenth Sunday of Year B - 12th July 2009

Travelling light.

We travel more these days. We pride ourselves on being prepared. No modern traveller is complete without food, money, travelling bag, portable radio, books, notepads, sweaters for cold nights, T-shirts for hot days, first aid kits, maps, travellers cheques, credit cards, insurance, list of emergency numbers. All eventualities and needs catered for.

However Jesus takes us by surprise, for in a few words He tells his disciples that in their travels they are to carry with them only sandals and a walking stick. He advocates a great simplicity of life. People are to know that they have nothing - and must then decide how they are going to welcome them, and the disciples should be open to the possibility of rejection. This is what Jesus also asks of us as we proclaim the Good News.

However, this approach is totally alien to our thinking and we are reluctant to embark on such a journey. It leaves us very vulnerable and totally at the behest of others. Our tendency is to carefully erect systems to make sure that we are not vulnerable or rejected. Yet this was the lot of Jesus. He was vulnerable and he was rejected by his own people. Today, He is challenging us to rethink our values, telling us not to be dependent on our false securities but rather to trust in God, even if it means that we are vulnerable.

As we pack for our summer holiday, perhaps we could take a few moments to take a good look at what we are bringing with us along the road of life? We should ask ourselves what in our lives needs to be scrutinised and discarded? We should hold our possessions lightly and recognise the significant principles that stood us in good stead when the chips are down? De-cluttering is not just about household possessions, but also attitudes and values that are unworthy of the name Christian.

On our spiritual journeys, 'being prepared' means abandoning our props and supports, and entrusting ourselves to God. It means learning detachment from things, places and even people, so that we have the freedom we need to see and love God. Whether we soar with God or walk with God, any luggage, however small, may work to pull us down, hindering not helping.

Jesus, help us to learn to 'travel light' in our spiritual journey.