Scripture:
Hosea 11:1-4, 8c-9
Matthew 10:7-15
Reflection:
St. Paul of the Cross realized the necessity of benefactors in order to fulfill our mission. He spoke of our benefactors in the highest regard and showed great reverence for our greatest benefactors: parents of religious. As a priest I realize that I need partners, friends, and co-ministers to help me in my work of proclaiming the Gospel. Some contribute financially, some pray for me, and others help me in various ways to get the message out to as many as possible.
Recently at a mission I was preaching, an 8th grade girl approached my book table and wanted to buy God’s Not Boring! When I tried to give her the book she insisted that she wanted to pay. I relented because I know that when you give to God, it always returns to you many times over. I didn’t want to prevent her from developing good habits of giving and receiving.
Jesus also realized the necessity of benefactors. In his missionary instructions, along with what to proclaim and even what to wear, he invites his disciples to find people of peace who will help them with their important ministry. I marvel at how God works through the people in my life who assist me in proclaiming the Gospel. As a community, we have countless people from every walk of life who assist us in our mission. I thank God for our many benefactors who contribute out of their resources and talents. We pray for these people, celebrate them, and ask God to continue to give us "divine connections" in the future.
Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P. is a missionary preacher, author of 14 books and creator of the TV program Live with Passion! airing in many cities. You can learn more about his ministry at: http://www.frcedric.org/