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“Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick –no food, no sack, no money in their belts” (Mark 6:7-13).
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The disciples must have felt superhuman, as Jesus gave them the power of his Spirit. As the Gospel tells us, they’re able to cast out demons and heal the sick at the drop of a hat.
But there’s only one problem – they’re not allowed to take anything else with them on the journey (Mark 6:8).
As powerful as they may be, they’ll feel the twinge of hunger within a matter of hours, and by day’s end, will also need a place to stay.
They cannot survive on their own; their own powers will not be enough.
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And herein lies a lesson from Jesus – a lesson we all must learn.
Self-reliance is a myth; no one can make it through life alone.
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Just as the disciples would need a helping hand to find food, shelter, and encouragement, so we all need friends to love and support us along the journey of life.
How strong am I as a friend? Am I a reliable person, a good listener, a generous giver?
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“Take nothing for the journey,” Jesus says.
Rather, look for people of good will along the way.