Jesus instructed his disciples to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick-no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were to wear sandals but not a second tunic.
What did they have?
They were armed with knowledge of Jesus, this alone was sufficient for them. Having been with Jesus, they were now empowered to bring Jesus to others. Their minds were inflamed with that experience, an experience of Jesus' every word, and action, and this is what gave them confidence and strength. Nothing more was needed.
What of the oil? The gospel tells us they used oil to anoint the sick in order to cure them. The oil is a prefigurement of the Sacrament of the Sick. Perhaps, one can speculate the oil was blessed by Jesus himself. Having the oil with them, gave the disciples confidence and strengthen to go out, for they did not go alone. The sacrament of the sick when celebrated is an experience of Jesus being present and his healing power being effective.
excerpt: Prayer of St. Agatha
Jesus Christ, Lord of all, you see my heart, you know my desires. Possess all that I am.
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