Proverbs 30:5-9 / Luke 9:1-6
A proverb is a simple and concrete saying, popularly known and repeated, that expresses a truth based on common sense or the practical experience of humanity. They are often metaphorical. A proverb that describes a basic rule of conduct may also be known as a maxim.
The 1st reading of the past few days and the next few days are taken from the Book of Proverbs.
It contains more than just wisdom sayings that are based on common sense or practical experience of moral conduct.
Because the Book of Proverbs points to the source of all wisdom, and that is God whose Word is a lamp for our steps and the law from the mouth of God means more than silver and gold.
The 1st reading reiterates this when it says that "Every word of God is unalloyed, he is the shield of those who take refuge in him. To his words make no addition, lest he reprove you and know you for a fraud".
In the gospel, Jesus had this to say to His disciples as He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal:
"Take nothing for the journey: neither staff, nor haversack, nor bread, nor money; and let none of you take a spare tunic".
Have we ever taken these words seriously, or we may be wondering how serious Jesus can be about this.
Because it may not seem to us to have much common sense nor is it in our practical experience to have practically nothing to rely on.
But let us continue to ponder on those words of Jesus, and let us ask the Lord for the two things that the 1st reading talked about.
May the Lord keep us from falsehood and lies, and we ask not of poverty nor riches but that the Lord will grant us our share of bread to eat.
That may not sound much like a proverb but it would be a shield for us who take refuge in the Lord.