Gospel: Mark 6:7-13

7 Then he summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs, giving them authority over unclean spirits.

8 And he instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff — no bread, no haversack, no coppers for their purses.

9 They were to wear sandals but, he added, ‘Don’t take a spare tunic.’

10 And he said to them, ‘If you enter a house anywhere, stay there until you leave the district.

11 And if any place does not welcome you and people refuse to listen to you, as you walk away shake off the dust under your feet as evidence to them.’

12 So they set off to proclaim repentance;

13 and they cast out many devils, and anointed many sick people with oil and cured them.

Reflection:

Our gospel for today is from Mark 6:7-13. It is about the twelve apostles joining Jesus in proclaiming the Kingdom of God. How about we imagine ourselves as one of the apostles excited to speak out for the glory of the Kingdom? Over the excitement, an instruction came out to leave everything and travel light. How will you be able to leave everything behind when you used to have everything prepared? This is the lesson that we are about to learn among ourselves. This is what the gospel from Mark 6:7-13 is trying to teach us.

Being an apostle is not easy. It means to forget about yourself and put your trust in the Lord for He will be your voice upon speaking the truth. To leave everything behind means to give up on the worldly pleasures. You have to give up your riches for you alone is all that matters. It is about accepting your responsibility as one pillar that speaks about the Kingdom of God.

Jesus promised His disciples to be with them to the ends of the earth and this is what we will uphold as we follow Him. Jesus knew exactly what He was doing when He sent out His disciples two by two. We are all sent out by Jesus in this world but it is up to up to carry His name. We are all told to remain in the presence and shadow of God yet others turn their back on Him. Seeing our present world with chaos in every corner, the division in every nation, the war. Those people turn their backs on God and dwell in the evil deeds. Our world is full of hatred and corruption. Do you think there will be a time when we all will live in peace and harmony and love? Regardless of the nationality and religion, when we see a better world. This is our calling, to be with Jesus and to bear witness of His wonderful deeds. We only need to believe and stick to Him all the time. Money, car, bank we don’t need it when we put our trust in Him. This is what the gospel from Mark 6:7-13 is telling us. Let us all proclaim God’s kingdom that will never end. – Clea | Helpline PH