The Mission of the Twelve

Today's Reflections

The Mission of the Twelve 

graceandspace.org

Mk 6:7-13

⁷[Jesus] summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. ⁸He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts. ⁹They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. ¹⁰He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. ¹¹Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” ¹²So they went off and preached repentance. ¹³They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Reflection:

Take nothing for the journey. Jesus instructs the Twelve as he sends them on mission. They work for God, not for a business enterprise. Their interests are God’s; their concerns are what they can give, what they can do, and what they can fulfill. They follow only Jesus and are available for the cross.

Because they work for God, the Twelve must not be preoccupied with material things. They are to trust God, not money. After all, God will surely give them what they need for the mission. They are to travel light and simple. Traveling unencumbered by a lot of baggage, the Twelve will be able to focus on the mission. And they proclaim by their lifestyle their faith in Jesus who has called and sent them and will surely provide for their needs.

By our baptism and confirmation, we are empowered and sent to bring the good news of God’s saving and healing love to the world. We serve in order to save. Worldly comforts and rewards should not compromise our service and sacrifice for people. We labor out of love for God and for God’s people. We work to bring people to God.

What in my life should I give up

for Jesus and for my loved ones?