dad will always be there
"He instructed them to take nothing on their journey." —Mark 6:8
Jesus sends out His disciples to unknown locations. He does not allow us to bring food, luggage, money, or a change of clothes (Mk 6:8-9). Moreover, we are not to have pre-arranged accommodations. Most people react to these words of Jesus with disbelief and fear. We think: "Jesus can't possibly mean this. But what if He really does mean it?"
However, Jesus does not say: "Have no food or money." Instead, He says: "Take no food or money." It may sound like Jesus is saying that we won't be taken care of, but actually He means that we won't have to provide for ourselves. Jesus maintains that "our Father in heaven" unfailingly gives daily bread to His children on earth and provides on the spot for our needs (see Mt 6:9, 11). Therefore, Jesus does not send us out deprived. Instead, he sends us out unburdened, freed, and fathered.
Jesus is the only Way to the Father (Jn 14:6). As the Father loves Jesus, Jesus loves us (Jn 15:9). As the Father sent Jesus, Jesus sends us (Jn 20:21). To understand Jesus, trust in your Father.
Prayer: Father, You loved me, made me, and sent Jesus to save me. I trust in You.
Promise: "Take courage and be a man. Keep the mandate of the Lord, your God, following His ways and observing His statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees as they are written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed in whatever you do, wherever you turn." —1 Kgs 2:2-3
Praise: Agatha's name means "good." She remained good and faithful to Jesus despite several days of torture and received the crown of life as a martyr.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, July 26, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 1997