Среда

(Gal. 3, 15–22; Mark 6, 7–13) The Lord, sending the Holy Apostles to preach, commanded them not to have anything with them. One robe on the shoulders, sandals on the feet, a staff in the hands - and that’s it. And have no worries about anything, entering this work, as if they were comprehensively provided for. And indeed, the apostles were completely provided for, without any external support. How was this arranged? Their complete devotion to the will of God; That’s why the Lord arranged it this way so that they would not need anything. He moved the hearts of those listening to the sermon, and they nourished and gave peace to the preachers. But the apostles did not have this in mind and did not expect anything, but handed over everything to the Lord. That’s why they endured it patiently even if something unpleasant happened. They had one concern about preaching, and one sadness - if they did not listen to the sermon. Hence the purity, independence and prolific preaching. And now it would be necessary, but our weakness requires external support, without which we will not take a step. This, however, is not a reproach to our current apostles. At first they definitely rely on this provision, but then it disappears from their minds, and by their own labor they are elevated to a state of devotion to God, from which moment, one must assume, the real fruitfulness of preaching begins. Devotion to God is the highest degree of moral perfection, and one does not suddenly reach it as soon as one realizes its value. It comes on its own after working on oneself. You might be interested in: