On Jesus instructing his Apostles in Humility and Poverty

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Wednesday

1st Point. "Freely have you received, freely give." (Matt., x. 8.)  The Son of God admonishes his Apostles that the power of miracles, a free gift,  should not inspire them with vanity.  God chooses the humble as his instruments in this great work, because they refer all the honour to its true source.  The conversion of souls is a divine operation, in which man acts only through the influence of God. The more perfect his humility, the more fully is he filled with this spirit.  The conversion of souls is dependent on their free will, which can only be gained by a love which humility effects.  Without it he will be dazzled by human applause, or if his opinions are contradicted, he will fall into great disorders. Annihilate the desire of honour and esteem, saying with your divine Master: "I seek not my own glory." (John, viii. 50.)

2nd Point. "Do not possess gold nor silver, nor money in your purses." (Matt., x. 9) Poverty and detachment are essential for those called to apostolic life.  A spirit of poverty is necessary for their own sanctification, because it is the foundation of the spiritual life.  It is a virtue which Jesus Christ practiced, and placed it at the head of his beatitudes.  It is equally necessary for the salvation of others, in order to convince them by a generous contempt for earthly goods, that these are truly despicable, and that God alone is the Sovereign Good.  "I will draw all things to myself." (John, xii. 32.)

3rd Point. "Freely have you received, freely give." How wide should be the charity of those called to the vocation of the apostles? He that loves wisdom desires that all adore, love, and possess with him the only Sovereign Good.  He labours to enkindle in all hearts the first of divine love.  Display as indefatigable a zeal in drawing all to God, as sinners are ardent and ingenious in their efforts to involve others in their own ruin.  "Preach the word: be instant, in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine."