GOSPEL POWER | JULY 11, 2021 SUNDAY | 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Gospel: Mk 6: 7 - 13

Jesus called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Reflection

The sending of the Twelve in pairs shows that Jesus  intends the mission to be accomplished in synergy and  cooperation. None of the participants in the mission, no  matter how capable and efficient, is supposed to work in isolation  and without linking up with others. Success will have to be the result  of common effort, with no one claiming credit for oneself. Mission,  therefore, becomes the context for formation in humility and charity,  which are necessary dispositions for working harmoniously and  witnessing to the world that the message being announced is the  message of God. Unity in diversity will be the most convincing proof  that the missionaries are God-sent. Proceeding in pairs will also be  a training in being keepers and stewards of one another, channels of  God’s care and concern for the safety of each one of them

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us to lay aside personal interests and agenda to serve  you in synergy and cooperation with other believers. Amen