In today’s gospel, Jesus sends his disciples on a journey – without money, bags, or even sandals for their feet.  Jesus tells his disciples that when they enter a house, their message is simply “peace.” Whether their message is received with joy, anger or confusion, they must remember that the Kingdom of God is at hand.

The path to discipleship includes hardship, challenges, and discipline.  Yet if we open our eyes, we see people on this journey every day, people like Namungi in Zambia, a widow and grandmother, toiling on her journey to raise a chronically ill granddaughter.  Tiny Mwali (age 8) was born with cerebral palsy.  Her condition was too much for her young mother to handle, so Namungi immediately took over Mwali’s care.  Namungi also cares for five additional grandchildren, and her 88 year old father.  She sets an example of dedication, devotion, and self-sacrifice that is truly inspiring.

As for Mwali’s future, Namungi says:

“It is a struggle. I would be so grateful if Mwali could take care of her own needs one day. My greatest fear is knowing that someday I will not be able to care for Mwali. She depends on me so much. I pray that I don’t die while my granddaughter still needs me.”

A key theme of today’s Gospel and last Sunday’s Gospel is discipleship—its challenges, its difficulties, and its rewards. Namungi’s life is hard, yet each day, she and her grandchildren still smile, laugh and find joy along with sorrow.  Sharing in the mission of Jesus is difficult, but we are all called to do it – ordinary people from all walks of life – not just professionals trained for ministry.  Please join us this week in praying for widows and grandmothers like Namungi in Zambia, who truly deserve God’s help.

May the peace of the Lord be with you, as you share His message of peace with everyone you meet.

Read about another grandmother who inspires us here.

*Today’s reflection is inspired by and adapted from Loyola Press Sunday Connection.

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