Read OnlineRelying on Divine ProvidenceJesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.” Luke 9:1–3Imagine having the power to lay hands on the sick and heal them. Though it may seem like something from the world of fantasy or superheroes, it is, in truth, a participation in divine authority over nature. While children might dream of such power through comic books or cartoons, the power granted to the Apostles was not only real, it was given for a much higher purpose: to draw souls into eternal salvation.By this point in Luke’s Gospel, the Twelve had been chosen and appointed as Apostles for at least several weeks, if not months. In Luke 6, Jesus called them after spending the night in prayer on a mountain. Since then, they had been formed by listening to His teachings—such as the Sermon on the Plain—witnessing miracles and exorcisms, seeing Him forgive sins, watching in awe as He calmed a stormy sea, and even beholding Him raise the dead.After this brief but intense period of formation, Jesus sent them on mission. For this mission, Jesus bestowed upon them His own divine power—to heal, cast out demons, and proclaim the Kingdom of God.As He sent them, He gave an important instruction: “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.” Why would He ask this of them? It wasn’t because of a lack of concern for their needs; rather, He was teaching them a vital spiritual lesson: To be effective instruments of His power and message, they had to rely completely on divine providence.Imagine being one of the Twelve, entering an unfamiliar village and seeing a crippled man begging at the gate. Suddenly, you feel inspired to lay hands on him and declare his healing. The prompting is so strong, you act. As soon as you say, “Be healed,” the man rises and walks, to the amazement of all. By day’s end, lines of the sick, crippled, and demon-possessed come to you, and each one is healed or delivered.The next day, a large crowd gathers in the town square. You invite them to sit, then begin preaching all you had heard Jesus teach. As you speak, some are moved to tears; others look to Heaven in joy. Hearts are touched. Chains fall. Lives are changed—all through the instrumentality of your words and presence.Such a moment would easily lead to the temptation of pride, marveling at all you had done. But Jesus knew this. That’s why, as the day ended and the crowd dispersed, the Apostles had to seek food and shelter from others. That simple act—relying on the kindness of strangers—was a daily reminder that the power they exercised was not their own. They entered towns empty-handed to remember that it was not they who worked wonders or saved souls, but Christ acting and speaking through them.When God uses us for His glorious purposes, we too will be tempted by the sin of pride. We may marvel at ourselves, seek recognition from others, or expect to be treated as if we were the source of God’s grace. This very real danger must be taken seriously by anyone engaged in Christ’s apostolate. Unless Christ works through us, we can do nothing. We are weak and sinful, and the merit of every good act belongs to Christ alone. We must never forget this sobering truth, especially the more deeply we become involved in His ministry.Reflect today on how fully you rely on divine providence. Are there times when you are tempted to take credit for what God does through you? Do...