Jesus opposes all forms of domination and wants us to do likewise.

 
Reading: Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. Mark 6:7.
 
God morning, happy Thursday, an many blessings my dear family.
 
In today’s Gospel (Mark 6:7-13) Jesus sends His disciples out to preach, teach and heal. Jesus was wise: He sent the disciples out in pairs. Jesus knew as beginning preachers, they would need support. He also realized that the disciples would be more effective if they had companions in this ministry. Thus, He sent them out in pairs.

Jesus instructed them to take nothing with them on their journey – no food, no extra clothing nor money. This meant that His disciples would have to depend on the generosity of others to meet their needs. I wonder how Jesus’ disciples reacted to His instructions. Were they tempted to carry some food or a change of clothing along with them? Or did they truly trust that God and many generous people would provide for them?

The disciples left and began preaching. Amazingly, they also were able to work miracles. They drove out demons and cured people who were seriously ill. Imagine what it was like for these disciples to have the ability to perform healings and miracles, to preach and to teach. These men were not learned. They were simple fishermen and workers. Yet, Jesus empowered them to give to heal others and to give them spiritual food!

In addition, the teaching that God's love is present in welcoming strangers and neighbors has been a strong belief of many cultures. Too often the church has been choosy about who to welcome or not welcome to the table of the Lord or even to the community. A call to the church today is to welcome all and be enriched by the variety of prayer, friendship, and worship which all can bring.
 
We also learn in this Gospel that Jesus opposes all forms of domination and wants us to do likewise. So, he stands by the poor and the outcast, he liberates those who are possessed by demons or dominated by sickness. Today Jesus also calls us to preach and teach. We also are His disciples. Jesus calls us to reach out and touch others with our love, care, and concern. In today’s world when most everyone is in a hurry or too busy to slow down, we can give the gift of our interest, time, and support. This may not sound like much of a gift. However, a few minutes of truly being present to another person may be the most precious gift they will receive today!

The disciples were allowed to take only one thing with them - a staff - something to lean on, to support them as they journeyed. Who, or what, is my ‘staff’? Where do I find supports in living out my life as a disciple today?
 
Blessings,
 
Luis+