A while back, I mentioned that in the US there are more self-storage facilities than McDonalds and Starbucks combined. According to statistics, the total amount of self-storage space in the US totals 2,300,000,000 square feet. And, it continues to grow. Sociologically, it is indicative of a society that has progressed in many ways, having grown in its purchasing power. On the other hand, it is also indicative of the growing desire to accumulate things, including things that we don’t really need, and to hold on to them. By the way, this is not to dismiss the practical advantages of self-storage facilities.
In the gospel today, Jesus reminds his disciples as he sends them on their mission, “Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals.” Jesus is reminding his disciples not to bring anything that would be distracting or harmful for their mission. Our humanity in us tells us to be secure, to pack so many things just in case we might need them. But, Jesus is telling his disciples that their ultimate and surest security should be on the person who is sending them on the mission and not on the things that they would put in bags or in a belt.
We all partake in the mission of Christ, and the same reminder is given to us: Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals! This, of course, shouldn’t to be taken with literal crudeness. But, we need to ask ourselves: Are there things that I have been carrying in my faith journey that have been stalling me in my mission? They don’t necessarily have to be material things, but can be situations, attitudes, addictions, hobbies and vices that hold us back to live out our faith fully and joyfully. When I came to St. Cecilia’s six years ago, I moved in with a U-Haul. And, it was very ironic that in my first weekend here at the parish, this was the same gospel that I had to preach on. God was really humoring me. But, deep within, I know that God is calling me to cut back, to live more simply so that I can live abundantly and without a lot of distractions. My hope is when I pack again to go to my next mission, one or two suitcases will be all it takes to get ready; after all, we don’t really need to bring anything to get to our final destination (heaven) except a clean heart! – Fr. Cary