Luke emphasises Jesus' mandate to his own, highlighting how they were to be itinerants of the Gospel.
"Go! Behold, I send you as lambs among wolves. Do not carry a bag, nor a saddlebag, nor sandals, nor greet anyone on the way" (Lk 10:3-4).
After meeting the Lord, Francis considered the proclamation of the Kingdom of God as fundamental.
To all those he met he gave the greeting received by divine revelation: "May the Lord give you Peace!
Based on Jesus' mandate to his disciples, he also sent the brothers to preach the Good News, two by two, recommending to live in strict poverty, as Jesus taught in the Gospel.
In the Sources we read:
"Francis, having completed the restoration of the church of San Damiano, continued to wear the habit of a hermit, walking with a stick in his hand, shoes on his feet, a leather belt at his hips.
But one day, as he was listening to Mass, he heard the instructions given by Christ when he sent his disciples out to preach: that they were not to carry gold, silver, bread, staff, footwear, or clothing on the road. He understood these instructions better later, having the passage explained to him by the priest.
Then, beaming with joy, he exclaimed:
"That is precisely what I long to accomplish with all my strength!".
And fixing those directives in his memory, he undertook to execute them gladly [...] He put all his enthusiasm into understanding and realising the suggestions of the new grace. Inspired by God, he began to proclaim the perfection of the Gospel, preaching penance to all, with simplicity" (FF 1427).
And he recommended the brothers not to provoke anyone to anger, but to proclaim the Kingdom with meekness:
"The Peace that you announce with your mouth, have it even more abundantly in your hearts.
Do not provoke anyone to anger or scandal, but let all be drawn to peace, goodness and concord by your gentleness [...].
This is our vocation: to heal wounds, bind up brokenness, call the lost back [...]" (FF 1469).
Francis urged his followers to live the Gospel of Christ to the letter as meek lambs among wolves.
Thursday, 26th wk. in O.T. (Lk 10,1-12)