Overview:

The Memorial of St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

A Reflection for the Memorial of St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

“He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick
–no food, no sack, no money in their belts.”

Find today’s readings here.

Travelling lightly does not come naturally to me. Every morning I fill my work bag with all sorts of things I might want for the hours ahead. My phone, wallet and keys can always be found in their special side pocket, but other non-essentials often make the cut as well: my hand lotion, my sweater, my snacks. I feel more confident and ready for the day when I carry the things that bring me comfort to my job with me. 

Which is why Jesus’ directive to his Twelve Apostles in today’s Gospel gave me pause. They are preparing to go out and evangelize amongst the masses, and Jesus tells them to leave everything behind. No extra clothes, no food, no money. I can’t even go to the corporate office a short walk from my apartment without bringing what feels like half my possessions with me. But Jesus asked his friends to spread the Gospel with only the clothes they were wearing and the walking stick in their hands. And they obeyed. 

There is technically a reason for every single thing I pack in my bag—my hands get dry, I get cold, I get hungry. But my heavy bag reflects more than a million needs. It represents a desire for security and control. If I can anticipate all that I will want throughout the day, I can circumvent discomfort, and I can circumvent reliance on others for the things I might need. 

In the context of a work bag, it might make sense—might even be good, and right—for me to be prepared for the day. But it’s worth reflecting on how an inclination towards control might shape itself into a more permanent mindset with broader impacts on my life. If I am always trying to avoid discomfort preemptively, am I prepared for when I forget the items I rely on, or for when something comes up that I could not have anticipated? 

And outside of a physical sense, am I prepared for the aspects of life that are much harder to control at all? Can I acknowledge that there are some things I could never be prepared for? Can I let myself depend on others when those things do happen? Can I let myself depend on God? 

We don’t get any details in today’s Gospel about how the Apostles managed to find food, shelter or protection for themselves. But we can imagine how they must have relied on the generosity of others and on the goodness of God, with radical trust and profound faith. I pray that in my own life I will be capable of the same.

Brigid McCabe is an O'Hare Fellow at America Media.