Friday July 9, 2021 - Fourteenth week of Ordinary Time - When he comes, he, the Spirit of truth, he will lead you into the whole truth and he will remind you of everything I have told you - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 10, 16-23

Dear Christians, Jesus' message to the apostles that he sends continues. The world they are sent to is complex, so they need to be careful. Jesus does not hide from them what awaits them; like a docile lamb, unable to defend itself in the midst of fierce and violent wolves. God reigns in kindness and chooses the small and the weak to reveal his glory.

Be as simple as a dove, says the Lord, but also as careful as a snake: it is not about competing with the world for power or deception, but to be simple and humble without being deceived, not to not to seek the good for oneself, but to work for God.

Another quality required to go on a mission is complete trust in God. Jesus does not hide the difficulty of the mission, but he also assures us that we will have an interior power which is the Holy Spirit. We will be hated, persecuted, even denounced. Trust in God is strength, faithfulness and endurance to the end are the guarantee. Let us have the courage to face life, for it is God who will have the last word. Amen.