A reading from the gospel according to Mark 6:7-13
7 Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
8 He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick; no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
9 They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.
10 He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave.
11 Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.”
12 So they went off and preached repentance.
13 The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Reflection: One plus one equals three
1. Jesus sends His apostles on a training mission, not as individuals but in pairs. Their task is not easy and it would be more difficult and lonelier to go alone most especially if the people are not hospitable. There is a saying that says two heads are better than one. Yet they are not really two people. It’s actually two plus the Spirit of the Lord. During His ascension, he commanded them to go to the whole world and promised that He will be with them until the end of time. Whenever we do the work of God, let us always remember that His Spirit is with us.
2. Jesus instructs His apostles to take nothing for the journey. His message was and still is trust. He is in effect telling them not to worry because all their needs will be provided. They should instead focus on their mission. God’s provision is more than enough. Just like Saint Paul, they are to remember always that His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).
3. Jesus wants His apostles to wear sandals and not to bring with them a second tunic. This is simplicity at its best. His message is for them to serve as He has served – not attracting attention to themselves but to make people turn to God.
4. Jesus empowers His apostles before sending them. So they went off with authority to preach, to cast away demons and to heal the sick.
5. Jesus does not condemn but when we reject Him, we are condemning ourselves. Rejecting Him is a testimony of our obstinacy, pride, and prejudice. When we reject His messengers, we are actually rejecting Jesus Himself (Luke 10:16).
Reflection: Positive Impact
The gospel reminds us that we who hear the Good News belong to the chosen ones. We have been chosen to be sent. Where? Maybe to a foreign land but more importantly to our immediate family, friends and colleagues in our workplaces. Why? To drive out the demons of hatred or depression, to heal the broken heart and to cure broken relationships. How? It helps if we have special skills or training such as being a physician or psychologist but it is not needed. All we need is a listening skill and willingness to help.
Jesus gave the apostles the authority over unclean spirits. This authority has been passed over to us but before we can remove the “unclean spirits” in others, let us make sure the “unclean spirits” in us are removed. Before we can preach repentance, let us first of all repent of our own wickedness.
This is our immediate mission: whatever place we are in, let’s make a positive impact. A simple smile and a sincere offer of help to the needy will be a great start. Never mind if people reject us. They already rejected the ONE who is sending us.
You want a better world to live in? Spread positivity. Let us make that our daily habit.
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This gospel reading recounts a powerful moment in the ministry of Jesus Christ, where He sends out the twelve disciples to spread His message, giving them authority over impure spirits. This passage is rich with lessons on faith, obedience, and the transformative power of divine authority.
Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, a testament to the strength found in companionship and mutual support. This method of sending them in pairs underscores the importance of community and partnership in our spiritual journey. In life, we are not meant to walk alone; we thrive through relationships that encourage and uplift us. Just as the disciples supported each other, we too are called to be there for one another, providing strength and encouragement.
He gave them authority over impure spirits, signifying that true power and authority come from God. This divine empowerment reminds us that we are not left to our own devices. When we step out in faith, God’s power goes before us, enabling us to overcome challenges that seem insurmountable. The disciples’ mission teaches us that with God’s authority, we can face and conquer our own struggles, be they internal or external.
Jesus instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts. This radical dependence on God’s provision challenges us to examine where we place our trust. In a world that values self-sufficiency and material security, Jesus calls us to rely wholly on Him. This reliance fosters a deep sense of faith, knowing that God will provide for our needs as we fulfill His purpose for our lives.
The disciples were to stay in the homes where they were welcomed and leave from any place that did not receive them. This directive teaches us about acceptance and rejection in our mission. Not everyone will receive the message we carry, but we are called to persist in our efforts, shaking off the dust from our feet when necessary. This act symbolizes letting go of rejection and moving forward without allowing past hurts to hinder our progress.
As they went out and preached that people should repent, they drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil, healing them. This outcome of their mission is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of faith and obedience. When we step out in faith, trusting in God’s authority and provision, miracles happen. Lives are changed, healing occurs, and the kingdom of God is advanced.
In our own lives, we are called to be disciples, spreading the message of hope and love. By relying on God, supporting one another, and persevering through rejection, we can make a profound impact on the world around us. Let us be inspired by the example of the twelve, stepping out in faith and witnessing the extraordinary power of God at work.
