Sent on a mission

by Food For Thought on February 6, 2014 ·

To bring no provisions when going on a journey is really unthinkable. If we were in the place of the disciples, how would we have reacted? We would certainly welcome being sent on a mission with another companion, but why did our Lord give such an impractical stipulation as to “take nothing for the journey?” These two conditions which the Lord imposed on his disciples were meant to inculcate in his followers (and that includes us today) the right disposition or attitude in the work we are called to do. It is a way of emptying ourselves to rely on others which is a very humbling experience. What a good way to teach us faith and trust in every aspect of our life. As for the command to go with a companion, not only is it an encouragement to go to unknown territories with a supportive companion, but it also awakens in us the realization that in everything we do, we are part of a much greater undertaking. Can we be less attached to our talents, our achievements, our treasure, knowing that all of these are God’s gifts that must be shared with our needy brothers, thus reinforcing the teachings on love?

One Bread One Body

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 2

<< Thursday, February 6, 2014 >>

St. Paul Miki
& Companions

1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12
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1 Chronicles 29:10-12

Mark 6:7-13
Similar Reflections

GOD, THE TOUR GUIDE

"Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out." —Mark 6:7

In Mark's gospel, Jesus sends us out with four things and without four things.

We are to go without taking:

food (Mk 6:8),
luggage (Mk 6:8),
money (Mk 6:8), and
clothes (Mk 6:9).

We are to go with:

another disciple (Mk 6:7),
authority over demons and diseases (Mk 6:7, 13),
a walking staff (Mk 6:8), and
sandals (Mk 6:9).

Walking sticks and sandals are ways of improving our transportation as we take the Gospel to the ends of the earth (see Acts 1:8).

When Jesus sends us out:

we go trusting in God for our daily bread (Mt 6:11),
we go as brothers and sisters in Him,
we go "to destroy the devil's works" (1 Jn 3:8), and
we keep moving (see Mk 6:11).

Most Christians have in abundance those things Jesus tells us we should do without, while lacking the community and the authority the Lord tells us we cannot do without. If we are to go forth in Jesus' name, we need a re-structuring of our lives. Jesus is willing to do it. Will you let it be done? (see Lk 1:38)

Prayer: Father, may I do it Your way.

Promise: "Keep the mandate of the Lord, your God, following His ways and observing His statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees as they are written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed in whatever you do, wherever you turn." —1 Kgs 2:3

Praise: At their martyrdom, St. Paul Miki and his twenty-five companions were pierced by a lance, as was their Savior.