Friday 10 July

Genesis 46:1-7,28-30, Psalm 37,
Matthew 10:16-23

Wise as serpents, gentle as doves

When Jesus sent out the twelve, he used four images that aptly described their mission. They would be sheep among wolves. Sheep were considered innocent, and they were sacrificial animals. In the Middle East, snakes were the symbols of wisdom and healing - and still are today. Doves represented gentleness and peace. Jesus’ simple statement to the apostles held a warning of wolves, but did not suggest retaliation. Their only defence was to be wise discernment. Isn’t this good advice for us all?