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Relying on Divine Providence
Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over
all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the
Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing
for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor
money, and let no one take a second tunic.” Luke 9:1–3
Imagine having the power to lay hands on the sick and heal them.
Though it may seem like something from the world of fantasy or
superheroes, it is, in truth, a participation in divine authority
over nature. While children might dream of such power through comic
books or cartoons, the power granted to the Apostles was not only
real, it was given for a much higher purpose: to draw souls into
eternal salvation.
By this point in Luke’s Gospel, the Twelve had been chosen and
appointed as Apostles for at least several weeks, if not months. In
Luke 6, Jesus called them after spending the night in prayer on a
mountain. Since then, they had been formed by listening to His
teachings—such as the Sermon on the Plain—witnessing miracles and
exorcisms, seeing Him forgive sins, watching in awe as He calmed a
stormy sea, and even beholding Him raise the dead.
After this brief but intense period of formation, Jesus sent them
on mission. For this mission, Jesus bestowed upon them His own
divine power—to heal, cast out demons, and proclaim the Kingdom of
God.
As He sent them, He gave an important instruction: “Take nothing
for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor
money, and let no one take a second tunic.” Why would He ask this
of them? It wasn’t because of a lack of concern for their needs;
rather, He was teaching them a vital spiritual lesson: To be
effective instruments of His power and message, they had to rely
completely on divine providence.
Imagine being one of the Twelve, entering an unfamiliar village and
seeing a crippled man begging at the gate. Suddenly, you feel
inspired to lay hands on him and declare his healing. The prompting
is so strong, you act. As soon as you say, “Be healed,” the man
rises and walks, to the amazement of all. By day’s end, lines of
the sick, crippled, and demon-possessed come to you, and each one
is healed or delivered.
The next day, a large crowd gathers in the town square. You invite
them to sit, then begin preaching all you had heard Jesus teach. As
you speak, some are moved to tears; others look to Heaven in joy.
Hearts are touched. Chains fall. Lives are changed—all through the
instrumentality of your words and presence.
Such a moment would easily lead to the temptation of pride,
marveling at all you had done. But Jesus knew this. That’s
why, as the day ended and the crowd dispersed, the Apostles had to
seek food and shelter from others. That simple act—relying on the
kindness of strangers—was a daily reminder that the power they
exercised was not their own. They entered towns empty-handed to
remember that it was not they who worked wonders or saved souls,
but Christ acting and speaking through them.
When God uses us for His glorious purposes, we too will be tempted
by the sin of pride. We may marvel at ourselves, seek recognition
from others, or expect to be treated as if we were the source of
God’s grace. This very real danger must be taken seriously by
anyone engaged in Christ’s apostolate. Unless Christ works through
us, we can do nothing. We are weak and sinful, and the merit of
every good act belongs to Christ alone. We must never forget this
sobering truth, especially the more deeply we become involved in
His ministry.
Reflect today on how fully you rely on divine providence. Are there
times when you are tempted to take credit for what God does through
you? Do you seek affirmation and recognition when you serve our
Lord? Ask Jesus to give you the grace of humility and detachment,
so that you desire only to be a pure instrument of His mercy, never
seeking your own glory but always pointing back to Him.
All-powerful Lord, You not only hold full authority over nature,
You also possess the power to transform lives and bestow eternal
life. Use me as a humble instrument of Your saving mission. Guard
my heart against pride and keep me grounded in humility, ever
mindful that every good work flows from You. I am but Your servant;
You are the source of all goodness. Jesus, I trust in You.
Image: The Twelve Sent Out, by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld
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