Jesus sends out 70 followers with some rather strange instructions. “Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’” It sounds like a bad reality TV show where the players have to survive in hostile territory with no provisions. Rather than taking something material to offer a host, they are to remain in whichever house receives them, to eat their food and drink whatever they provide. What could be the harm in having just a bit of money for a rainy day or an extra tunic in case you get muddy? Maybe Jesus’ point is that it’s hard to fully rely on someone else, especially a stranger. It forces us to let go of our preferences and creature comforts and to trust in God’s provision in a whole new way. This Sunday we will bless the backpacks of our children and school teachers and workers as a way of blessing the journey ahead during this school year. What provisions do we carry with us every day, and what could we learn from Jesus’ 70 about letting go of some of our own baggage?