By Sharon Piuse, CSC –
Readings: Ez 9: 5-9; Lk 9: 1-6
In the first reading we see the prayer of Ezra to God. In this prayer we see Ezra thanking God for the blessings he had received. As we make our prayers, we always like to ask favour from the Lord, but we forget to thank the Lord for the gifts he has given to us. We pray always for ourselves.
But in the case of Ezra, we cannot see any selfishness in his prayer. In the Gospel we see that Jesus gather the twelve to send them out to proclaim kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Jesus told them to take nothing for their journey. There was a seminarian who had been sent by the superior for village experience. His early lifestyle was very systematic, especially in food and cleanliness.
He stayed in a particular house where he worked and struggled. Later on, he changed the entire concept of food habits and cleanliness. He was loved by the people in the village, they offered many things to him. But the superior restricted him from taking anything from them. He could share the love and word of God to the people.
Like that seminarian Jesus’ disciples also underwent the difficult moments of life. Jesus sends his disciples to different places, so that they will grow in missionary life. The readings invite as to pray like Ezra and live a missionary life.