You are to give

Gospel: Mt 9:35-10:1,5a,6-8

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120923.cfm

In today’s gospel, Jesus is carrying out his mission of healing and sharing the gospel. In a moment of reflection, he observes that more could be done if his disciples directly participated in his mission. He gives his disciples the gift to act as he has acted and provides them with direction. In the last verse, Jesus says, “Without cost, you have received; without cost, you are to give.”

What if the disciples expected payment when sharing the gospel and healing the sick? The message itself would lose its meaning if it were transactional. They could easily be seen as traveling snake oil salesmen. The intent of their message would be questioned.

What if Jesus did it all on his own and didn’t seek the help of his disciples? A lot less people would have been helped and healed. Beyond that, Jesus’s commission is for the disciples as well. God is relational and wants our participation. God is seeking to elevate us to act and live by the message. What good is a gift if it isn’t used? The gift realizes its value when it is used. We are to pay it forward.

Jesus calls us to share the graces given to us with others without strings attached. It is a pay-it-forward economy that shows itself throughout the gospel. In this season of reflection and giving, what are some gifts you have received in the past without expecting reciprocation? Pick one of those and share it with someone else without expecting anything in return.