SAINT PIUS OF PIETRELCINA (PADRE PIO), PRIEST (MEMORIAL)

Take nothing for the journey. 

“Lord, these words are hard. I know you were speaking to your disciples when you sent them out to evangelize, but how does this relate to me? You have called me to fulfill a specific mission and vocation that requires me to trust you completely. But I find as I journey in my faith that I want to control every detail.

“You told your disciples to take nothing for their journey, but that wasn’t so hard for them, was it? They could rely on the hospitality of the towns they entered and expect to find shelter and food. But me? Going on a trip and losing my luggage or my wallet is my worst nightmare, surely not something you expect me to do on purpose!

“I’d rather have my route planned out in detail so that the journey is as quick as possible. But you’re asking me to take a different approach. Help me to trust you and be open to the ways you can provide for me. Help me to be willing to turn off the ‘main road’ if that’s where you want to lead me.

“Jesus, when I’m on my journey and I think about talking to someone about you, I want to rehearse exactly what I need to say. But the truth is, you are already in a conversation with every human being you’ve created. Help me not to worry so much about the preparation but to seek you and listen carefully before I start talking. Help me trust that you can give me even just one word you want that person to hear.

“Lord, you know I like to control as much as I can. I don’t do well with the unexpected! But I’d like to learn to trust you more. You might even want to accomplish some purpose I haven’t envisioned in what seems like a chance encounter. Instead of panicking when something surprises me, help me to stand still and seek your direction for my next steps.

“Jesus, you have called me to trust you and follow you. You tell me that you can give me what I need. You can show me the next steps to take.”

“Honestly, Lord, I’m not quite ready to ‘take nothing.’ How about this: I would like to take your hand and let you lead me!”

Proverbs 30:5-9
Psalm 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163