Today’s reading is in honor of an American saint: Raphael of Brooklyn.
Unlike other saints, his feast day isn’t on the same date every year. Instead, it’s always the first Saturday in November.
Here, in St. Raphael, we see an example of someone who literally followed the command in today’s reading: to take very little and go out to preach the Word of God.
Raphael is well-known for riding the train across American. At each stop, he would get off, ask if there were Orthodox Christians in the area, and, if there were, minister to them before getting back on the train and heading out to the next stop.
But, why does today’s reading command us to take very little?
In short, it means we shouldn’t be afraid to let go or worry about our needs in place of preaching the gospel. God will take care of us. He will provide for our needs, even when things look very grim.
When we begin our own journey of preaching the gospel to others (either through word or deed), God will be right there will us.
So, what’s stopping you from inviting someone to church tomorrow?
The Reading
And having called the twelve together, he gave them power and authority, over all the demons and for curing diseases; And he sent them forth to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal diseases; And he said to them, “Take nothing for the road, neither staff, nor leather pouch, nor a loaf of bread, nor silver—nor have two tunics each. And into whatever household you enter, stay there and venture out from there. And whoever should not receive you, on leaving that city shake the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” And setting out they passed throughout the villages, everywhere proclaiming the good tidings and healing. (Luke 9:1-6)