The last time we went home to the Philippines, it took us several days to pack our bags and get them ready for the trip. In addition, we had already shipped several boxes of the stuff we wanted to bring a month earlier. These were all the stuff we needed for our stay there, the clothes that we would wear and all the pasalubong and presents for friends and family.
I try to imagine traveling as Jesus commanded His disciples when He sent them out on their mission: no food, no bags, no money and only the clothes they were wearing. Can I trust not to go hungry and live on the kindness and generosity of others? Am I defined by the clothes in my bags or by what I am and what I do? Will I be of value to others even if I have nothing to give them but my presence? Can I be of help to others just by being in their lives and not what I can give them materially or financially.
I sometimes think that giving money or materially things is generosity by default. True generosity entails being with a person, knowing what he truly needs and giving it. But that requires time and time is so often very hard to give. It is easier to give money. True generosity means being present and sharing the life of the other person. But that can be very taxing, having to bear the person’s pain and sorrow as well. It is much easier to just give money and leave. True generosity requires effort. It is easier and simpler just to give materially.
“Lord, fill my life with things of the Spirit that I may find the strength and courage to be truly of service to others – in ways that matter.”
Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two
and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick
–no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.
He said to them,
“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there.
Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you,
leave there and shake the dust off your feet
in testimony against them.”
So they went off and preached repentance.
The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Mark 6:7-13