14th Sunday in Ordinary time 2025

I am a huge fan of Rick Steves , the travel show host on PBS. If you’ve ever watched his show or read one of his guidebooks, you know that Rick offers a wealth of practical advice for travelers. One of his most repeated—and most important—tips is this: pack light . He recommends using just one carry-on bag and packing for no more than a week or so. That way, you’re free to move easily, you don’t risk losing your luggage, and you’re open to whatever adventures come your way. You can always do laundry or pick up what you need along the journey. Rick says, “The measure of a good traveler is how light they travel.” And it turns out— Jesus might agree. In today’s Gospel, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples , two by two, to the towns and villages he plans to visit. But before they go, he gives them some very specific travel instructions: “Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals. Greet no one along the way.” Translation? Travel light. But even more than that—...