1 February 2018
Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
The image of the pilgrim is one that is intrinsically tied to the Christian faith. We are a people on the move, a people on a journey. St. Ignatius of Loyola captured this aspect of the Christian life well when he described himself as a pilgrim who helps souls.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives his disciples clear instructions as to what they can and can’t take on their missions. There’s a lot of no’s. In fact, the only two things that are permitted are those which will make the road a little easier: sandals and a walking stick. In light of this, there must have been a temptation amongst the disciples to focus on the journey itself, on movement, on action, on the next thing– a temptation to which we too can fall prey in our busy, hectic lives. Jesus reminds us that what matters above all, is the encounter with the other in his name. These will be moments of love, healing, and holiness. Let us also be pilgrims who helps souls.