He sent us too to proclaim the Kingdom of God.

Today’s Gospel reminds us that the mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God was not given only to the Twelve. Through Baptism, we too have been sent. Jesus calls, equips, and sends us to bring the Good News to others through our words, our witness, our compassion, and our service. The disciples were instructed to take nothing for the journey. This does not mean that the mission requires no preparation; rather, it teaches us to depend fundamentally on God. The first reading gives us the same spirit of simplicity: “Give me neither poverty nor riches; provide me only with the food I need.” The missionary must not be controlled by possessions, status, or self-interest. What we carry most importantly is the Word of God, which the Psalm describes as “a lamp for my feet.” The life of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) beautifully illustrates this missionary spirit. Though he spent much of his life in one place, people came to him from everywhere because his life pointed them toward Christ. Through prayer, the Eucharist, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, spiritual counsel, and his compassion for the suffering, Padre Pio became an instrument through whom many encountered God's mercy. His mission reminds us that proclaiming the Kingdom does not always require traveling far. Sometimes the mission begins with the person God places directly before us. Jesus also gives his disciples authority “to cure diseases” and sends them to proclaim and heal. This connects proclamation with mercy. We cannot credibly announce God's Kingdom while remaining indifferent to the wounds of others. To proclaim Christ is to become instruments of his compassion, forgiveness, healing, and hope. Therefore, wherever we are, at home, in our parish, workplace, school, community, or among those who are suffering, Jesus sends us too. We are called to let our lives speak the Gospel. Like Padre Pio, may we become people whose prayer, simplicity, sacrifice, and love lead others closer to Christ.