One of the hardest things to do in life is to enter into complete trust in God.  But this is also one of the most fruitful things we can do for our life of faith.  Trust in God is not something we can automatically do, it requires continual surrender and resolve as our Lord invites us deeper.

This passage above begins by Jesus making a powerful statement: “I am sending you like lambs among wolves.”  This strong image is meant to reveal that the mission we will be given by our Lord is not something we can do on our own.  A little lamb would not do well walking into a pack of wolves…unless the shepherd were right there beside it.

Jesus is not only revealing that His mission will require great courage, but that it cannot be accomplished without Him.  Thus, He goes on to offer the practical directive to “Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.”  If we look at this line from a spiritual point of view, we can hear Jesus saying two things.  

First, “Rely upon my providence as you go about your mission in life.”  Second, “Keep focused upon your final goal and do not get drawn here or there.”  It’s not that bringing money with or speaking to strangers are in and of themselves bad ideas; rather, we should hear the deeper spiritual meaning of trust and resolve to fulfill His mission.

Reflect, today, upon how well you do trust in the providence of God as you strive to courageously embrace His will.  Reflect, also, upon how fully you are committed to going all the way, resolving to complete the task that our Lord has given you.  Recommit yourself to these aspects of a life of faith, and the Good Shepherd will be there every step of the way.