These days (up to Monday next) we are reading from Matthew's account of Jesus' discourses to His disciples. This one is concerned with how they are to behave when they go out to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom. The signs of the coming of that Kingdom will be healing of the sick, bringing people back to life, rehabilitation of lepers, and liberation from evil spirits. The disciples are not just to preach; they are to be agents of great social change bringing love, justice, freedom and peace into people's lives - because that is what God wants for everyone.

Part of the Kingdom message is that life should be a matter of sharing and not of acquiring. When everyone gives, everyone gets. This means that those among whom Jesus' followers work will see to their basic upkeep - the workman deserves his keep. They are to stay in the first house that accepts them and not be choosily looking for better accommodation. And they will bring God's peace on every hospitable place.

It would be difficult for most of us to follow this model literally but we could consider two things today: a) to what extent do I share my faith with others, especially those who have not heard the Message of Jesus?; b) what kind of lifestyle do I aspire to? am I caught up in the consumerist frenzy of today's society? Let us remember: the really rich are those whose needs are the least. In this sense, Jesus was really rich. Can I be more like him?