Voluntary Poverty
Jul 11: Memorial of Saint Benedict, abbot
Today is the Feast of Saint Benedict (founder of the monastic order, not the eggs). We tend to think of Benedictine monks, but his Rule wasn’t originally just meant for clergy, but lay people as well. He wanted to write a guide for following the life of Christ as much as human possible.
“My words are addressed to thee, whoever thou art, that, renouncing thine own will, dost put on the strong and bright armor of obedience in order to fight for the Lord Christ, our true King.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus instructs his Apostles not to carry any money or extra clothes on their missionary preaching, but then says, “The laborer deserves his keep.” It’s basically a way of saying that they can earn a living spreading the Gospel, but they shouldn’t get rich.
Which is why I don’t require charge for these reflections.1 Some people still choose to pay for a subscription, for which I’m very grateful. I’m certainly not getting rich off these,2 but it’s more important than everyone has access to God’s grace, even if the medium is through a silly internet blog like mine.
If you can’t support financially, it also helps a lot is just sharing this Substack with a friend. There’s always a share link in every post, but today’s readings reminded me that I should explicitly ask every once in a while.
Thanks for reading and thanks for sharing!
Reading 1
Hos 11:1-4, 8e-9
Thus says the LORD: When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the farther they went from me, Sacrificing to the Baals and burning incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks; Yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer.
My heart is overwhelmed, my pity is stirred. I will not give vent to my blazing anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again; For I am God and not man, the Holy One present among you; I will not let the flames consume you.
The first line is a reference to Jesus, who Joseph hid from Herod in Egypt during his infancy.3 Jesus doesn’t tie us with restrictive bonds, but ties himself to us with love.
God’s forgiveness, through Jesus, will protect us from the flames.
But contrast this with today’s Gospel, where Jesus says a home that rejects Him will be worse off than Sodom and Gomorrah, which were also consumed by flames. Why?
Because God’s love is an offer we must accept, not something forced on us.
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16
R. (4b) Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.
O shepherd of Israel, hearken.
From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.
Rouse your power.
R. Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.
Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see:
Take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted,
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R. Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.
For Israelites, this was a prayer for the coming of the Messiah. For us, it’s a request that His salvation continues to work. Jesus planted the Church years ago, and we need to be continually watered with God’s grace to grow.
Alleluia
Mk 1:15
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Kingdom of God is at hand:
repent and believe in the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Hosea preached repentance before the coming of the Messiah. How much more should we repent, knowing God is listening?
Gospel
Mt 10:7-15
Jesus said to his Apostles: "As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words—go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town."
The Apostles received the Gospel without doing anything to earn it, other than repent.4 That each is “worthy of his keep” just means he’s allowed to accept such gifts as are necessary to continue working (food, shelter, etc). They’re not supposed to get rich off it. Which is why priests and other religious take a vow of poverty, yet they’re provided for by the Church and parish.
Wishing a home “peace” isn’t meant to be an empty greeting, either. Jesus is granting the Apostles the power to cure the sick and raise the dead, so “peace be with you” doesn’t come with just a hearty handshake. The households must receive the peace offered them, just like we have to be open to receive God’s grace and mercy.
Also, I might lose my amateur status.
I’m not even getting minimum wage!
Thomas and Peter, just two examples, had to apologize to Jesus for doubts, while Judas never actually asked for forgiveness. That’s the real difference between his betrayal and the others’.