Today’s Gospel proclamation gives two main points for our daily reflection. First: making the disciples aware of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. When the apostles were called to join the ministry of Jesus perhaps like many of us, they expected to be part of a kingdom with glamour and glory like a worldly kingdom. Jesus is reminding us that the only path for resurrection is through suffering and death.

Second: the importance of being astute and responding to society based on factual decisions and structures. The Lord Jesus respected law and order and those who were in authority though he did not always agree with them. We are also expected to obey those who are in authority. Shepherds have been chosen by God to lead us into the heavenly kingdom. We are advised to give to God what belongs to God and to the world what belongs to the world. Anything distracting us from making this distinction should be given the least attention.

Prayer: Abba Father, may we face the challenges of this world while we keep our focus on heavenly riches. Amen.