Mark 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.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Proclaiming the Kingdom
Jesuits love to talk about the pilgrimage we undertake as novices. We are given a one-way bus ticket and a little pocket change, along with instructions to return in one month’s time. It is the adventure of a lifetime. More importantly, it is the moment when we discover—often in surprising ways—that God truly takes care of us, especially through God’s people. We remember the person who gave us food when we were hungry or offered shelter when we weren’t sure where we would sleep. In these encounters, we see the Kingdom of God alive and active in the hospitality of God’s people.
Today’s Gospel reminds us of these central mysteries of the Kingdom: that nothing is really needed to proclaim it, and that it is already alive in God’s people. At times, yes, it can be difficult to find. Jesus recognizes this reality as he instructs the Twelve: “Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.”
So let us abandon ourselves to Divine Providence. In doing so, many demons will be driven out, and many who are sick will be cured.
—Rev. Paul J. Shelton, SJ, is the provincial assistant for vocations for the Midwest Jesuits. If you are interested in becoming a Jesuit or know a young man who would be a good Jesuit, please visit beajesuit.org.
Prayer
I realized that God’s will was not hidden somewhere ‘out there’ but that the situations that I found myself in were His will for me.
He wanted me to accept those situations as from His hands, to let go of the reins and place myself entirely at His disposal.
He was asking of me a total act of trust, allowing for no interference or restless striving on my part, no reservation, no exceptions, no areas where I could set conditions or hesitate.
He was asking a complete gift of self, nothing held back.
It demanded absolute faith in God’s existence, Providence, his concern for the minutest details, his power to sustain and protect me.
It meant losing that last hidden doubt, the fear that God will not bear you up.
Like the eternity between anxiety and belief when a child first lets go of all support--
only to find that the water truly holds him up and he can float motionless, and totally relaxed.
—Walter Ciszek, SJ, from He Leadeth Me
Pray with the Pope
Pray with the monthly prayer intentions of the pope.