NOTES for Mat 10:1-8

When calling the Apostles, the Lord gives them a series of instructions, concluding with a kind of summary in which He formulates one of the foundations of the Gospel vision of the world and of life: “Freely you have received; freely give.” These words are important because they can be applied to all the gifts that God has given us. A gift, something freely bestowed, is what this entire world rests upon. It received its being and its order as a gift, and the people who live in it received everything as a gift, even life itself. But in Christ’s commandment the key word is “give.” We may possess countless gifts, yet none of them may lead to anything good.

Two things are necessary for the right use of God’s gifts. First, we must give thanks for every gift; otherwise, a gift turns into something unlawfully appropriated. Most importantly, only when we give these gifts away do we become like God, that is, become the image and likeness He intended us to be.