Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

David's final charge to Solomon: "Take courage and be a man. Keep the mandate of the LORD, your God, following his ways." A father's last words to his son, passing on what matters most: fidelity to God.

Jesus sends out the Twelve two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits. He tells them to travel light - no food, no money, no extra clothing. They are to depend entirely on God's providence and others' hospitality.

For families, both readings speak to preparation for mission. David prepares Solomon for leadership; Jesus prepares His disciples for ministry. What are you preparing your children for? Are you equipping them to depend on God, to travel light through life?

As a family, pray together:

• Through St. Agatha's intercession: For courage to remain faithful under pressure and persecution. Lord, hear our prayer.

• For our children's future: Prepare them for whatever You have planned. Give them understanding hearts. Lord, hear our prayer.

• For missionaries: Bless those who travel light, depending on providence to spread the Gospel. Lord, hear our prayer.

The disciples were sent with nothing but their mission. They had to trust.

• Examine your family's attachments: What would be hardest to leave behind?
• Practice "traveling light" in some small way today - simplify, declutter, let go
• Talk with your children about what truly matters in life

Agatha was a young woman of Sicily who consecrated herself to Christ. When she rejected the advances of a Roman official, she was tortured and martyred. She endured horrific suffering with courage, reportedly saying, "My courage and my thought be so firmly stayed upon the sure rock of Jesus Christ, that for no pain it may be changed."

Patronage: Breast cancer patients, nurses, firefighters, Sicily

David didn't just leave Solomon a kingdom - he left him wisdom. The greatest inheritance you can give your children is faith and the wisdom to live it. Everything else can be lost or taken away.