Monday, October 18th: ‘Traveller, there is no path, paths are made by walking’

Lk 10:1-9

In this Gospel passage Jesus sends out 72 followers before him and advises them to travel light, trusting that all will be well.

Whether we are embarking on a new job, a new relationship or facing a life-threatening disease, the passage challenges us to ‘travel light’ taking no purse, or haversack or sandals, really trusting the process with no preconceived notions.

Travelling light opens up new avenues for us as we become free to appreciate our new experiences, learning and growing from them. It is like Jesus telling his disciples to eat what is put before them, welcoming all experiences without prejudice and insularity, determined to stay the course. We, in turn, are able to offer positive aspects of ourselves like our peace. By travelling light, we recognise the goodness in others, acknowledging their closeness to God’s kingdom.

On this Feast of St. Luke, the Evangelist, we pray we would be like him, bringing peace and togetherness to our troubled world. Amen.