Mk 6:7-13
He called the Twelve to him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over evil spirits. And he ordered them to take nothing for the journey except a staff; no food, no bag, no money in their belts. They were to wear sandals and were not to take an extra tunic.
And he added, “In whatever house you are welcomed, stay there until you leave the place. If any place doesn’t receive you and the people refuse to listen to you, leave after shaking the dust off your feet. It will be a testimony against them.”
So they set out to proclaim that this was the time to repent. They drove out many demons and healed many sick people by anointing them.
REFLECTION
READ: Jesus sent His trusted disciples on mission in pairs. He gave them, first, the authority needed for them to do their work well. Secondly, He gave explicit orders and instructions on what to bring and what to do when they are in the mission field. So they went out to evangelize.
REFLECT: We see a facet of Jesus’ character shining through this gospel snapshot. First, He equips His disciples with the necessary power and authority so they may do their task with confidence. Secondly, He asked them to bring only the essentials in their mission work. Everything else can be foregone without any slight effect on the mission work. Thirdly, they need not grope in the dark. He gave them a manual to follow so they would know what to do in given circumstances. He did not scrimp on the provisions He prepared for them. They may have been travelling light in earthly goods, but surely had heavy weight provisions from Jesus’ own largesse.
RESPOND: Being in control and the one who decides my own faith is a good thing. It means taking responsibility over my own life course. But there are moments when I have to step back and give way to God’s gentle promptings. But have I ever been courageous enough to let go of the control button for God? Perhaps today, I will allow God to take over my actions and decisions and do what He wants me to do with enthusiasm and joy.
PRAY: Lord, oftentimes, I make my presence larger than life in the control room. I don’t want to let go of the push button. How many times have I overridden Your gentle suggestions and extended help to make me feel that I am truly in control? Help me to realize that with You helping me navigate my life’s journey, I will never go wrong. Amen.
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