Mark 6:7-13

Today the evangelist Mark tells us about the missionary sending of the Twelve apostles by Jesus, and the preparation and execution of this mission in the houses.

The word apostle comes from the Greek and means "sent". Jesus was the first and main sent One, apostle, missionary of God the Father. In fact, He Himself went to many villages, preaching repentance, driving out many demons and curing many who were sick.

Those who had been chosen to be apostles were now sent on a mission by Jesus.

They were to be simple and detached, trusting more in divine providence than in money and possessions, without worrying about food or clothing.

The apostles were to carry only a walking stick, for their protection against wild animals.

They were to choose a house and stay there until their leave.

Jesus prepared the apostles for the possibility of rejection in some places, telling them to testimony against them, shaking the dust off their feet as they left. 

The strategy was for the apostles to go in pairs, so that their testimony would be credible. 

Jesus gave the apostles power to make the unclean spirits submit to them. 

Then the Twelve apostles set out on a mission, following in all the instructions given by Jesus. 

The missionary Jesus wanted His Church to be missionary as well. And today, the Church is us. Like the Twelve apostles, today we must set out on a mission, in pairs, without attachments, trusting in divine providence, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom of God and repentance, delivering people from the domination of evil and anointing the sick with oil so that they may receive cure. 

Yes, there is the possibility of rejection today too. But this should not intimidate us. Nothing can get in the way of the mission. Let us be courageous and creative!

Local: Springfield, MA, EUA

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