Why Jesus says carry no bag for the Journey?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 14th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 10:7-15*

*First Reading : Gn 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5*

*Why Jesus says carry no bag for the Journey?*

*1) To avoid extra luggage*

One of the reasons why Jesus tells them not to carry the bag, is to avoid the luggage. 

Extra luggage will always make their journey difficult and tiresome

So to make their journey little more comfortable and also to have quick movements, they needed to avoid carrying any bag or luggage

*2) Bag is a symbol of Receiving*

Empty bag always the symbol of receiving something

So to avoid the wrong message they had to avoid carrying bag with them 

In fact disciple is the one who gives to others and not one who receives 

So by not carrying the bag, they could give the message of giving and not receiving

*3) Bag is also the symbol of Accumulating*

It is a symbol of hoarding and storing for the future 

A disciple is the one who should not store or hoard the things, because it goes against the spirit of the discipleship

Instead of accumulating a disciple is called upon to give to others. Generosity is the primary value that a disciple should practice in order to follow Jesus 

*4) Faith in God alone*

By avoiding to take bag along with them, Jesus is calling them for a higher level of trust and confidence in Jesus 

Its an open challenge to His disciples to keep their trust and confidence in God, rather than on the things of this world 

Ultimately God is our Hope. This powerful message becomes very clear when Jesus says, no bag for the journey

*5) Various bags, which hinder our mission*

There are variety of bags in our life, which hinder our mission for the greater glory of God 

The bag of desire 

The bag of wordly ambition

The bag of recognition

The bag of name and fame

The bag of honour 

The bag of wealth & money 

The bag of  greed 

The bag of selfishness

The bag of revenge

The bag of intolerance

*6) Am a slave of various bags?*

In today's Gospel Jesus clearly tells us to give up all sorts of bag, which increases our worldly luggage, resulting in distraction in our mission for the Lord 

So it is highly recommend to give up these bags and to free ourselves to work for the Lord

If so, am I ready to free myself from these bags tk work for the Lord? 

Am I ready to detach myself from these worldly bags? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*