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 from there.
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).

For further reflection, go here.