Travelling light

Luke 9. 1 – 6 is a passage which suggests that we should travel lightly as we journey through life as Christ’s disciples. That was the literal experience of Jesus’ disciples in an itinerant ministry where they took little of their own with them and were reliant on the hospitality and support of others. For ourselves, we will do well to reflect deeply on those powerful slogans or proverbs, such as ‘live simply that others might simply live’ and ‘touch the earth lightly,’ which challenge us about the footprint we leave on the earth and its inhabitants.

Travelling light doesn’t mean we travel alone. From other passages in the Gospels we know that Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs. 'By travelling together we bear one another’s burdens, share joys, and lighten the load of our journey.' Jesus’ expectation was clearly that his disciples would find open doors and receive hospitality in many of the places to which they travelled. There are occasions then when the mission of Christ can be an evolving one where his followers knock on doors and minister wherever those doors are opened to them.

Travelling light
without
a purse
without
a bag
without
shoes
without
equipment
you are
the equipment
you are
all you need

Travelling light
no
special appeals
no
luxury hotels
no
looking
for the best
cooks
keep it
simple
keep it
modest
be
content

Travelling light
don’t stop
to make
small talk
with those
on the road
move on
reach
your destination
the harvest
is great
but the
workers
few

Travelling light
do stop
to bless
the homes
in which
you rest
for all
you receive
give thanks
and peace
don’t create
when made
unwelcome
shrug
your shoulders,
wipe
your feet
move on

Travelling light
don’t
fill your barns
simply
to eat,
drink
and
be merry
don’t
store up
riches
simply
to rust
and decay
don’t
store up
riches
simply
for others
to steal
your heart
will be
where
your riches
are

Travelling light
do
store up
acts
of love,
hope
and faith
do
store up
the things
that remain
do
store up
treasures
in heaven
your heart
will be
where
your riches
are

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Deacon Blue - Only Tender Love.