NOTES for Mat 10:7-13

One incident comes to mind: a group of people came to a women's prison to congratulate the women held there on the feast of Easter, to share joy, to speak about God and about themselves, and simply to give them a chance to talk. One of the sisters brought a sweater there that she wanted to give away. But to understand who needed it most, she turned to the prison administration so that they themselves could decide who should receive the sweater. They could only say that humanitarian aid was already coming to them and that they tried not to leave anyone out. Then they added, "How can anyone tell who needs it most?"

So it is with us: can we really understand, can we keep track of who most needs our tenderness, warmth, kind word, or simply a smile? Which of the people passing by or sitting next to us on the subway needs our prayer? Who is hurting?

Yes, of course, there are times when the Lord as it were "points out" such a person to us, drawing our attention to the expression on his face, the sadness in his eyes... But above all, the Lord calls us to share unconditionally what we have: His peace, giving it in prayer, deeds, and a smile. And His peace will not diminish: "If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you" (Mt 10:13). For if it finds its place in the one "worthy" of it, then it will return to you "good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over" (Lk 6:38).