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Gospel: Mark 6: 7-13
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.
They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.
He said to them,
“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there.
Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you,
leave there and shake the dust off your feet
in testimony against them.”
So they went off and preached repentance.
The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
The Gospel of the Lord.
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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.
There’s only one problem: they’re not allowed to take anything with them for the journey.
As powerful as they may be, they’re still human; they’ll feel the twinge of hunger within a matter of hours, and by day’s end, will also need a place to stay.
Palestine could be terribly cold at night.
Jesus structured their mission this way, teaching them that they cannot survive on their own; like us, they’ll need the help of neighbors.
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What a hard lesson to learn at times: self-reliance is a myth. No one can make it through life alone.
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Just as the disciples needed to find food, shelter, and encouragement, so we all need support along the journey of life.
How am I a friend for others? And who is that friend for me?
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“Take nothing for the journey,” Jesus says.
Instead, look for ways to share your life with others.
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Image credits: (1) Fritz von Uhde: Journey to Bethlehem 1890 (2) Two by Two – Ahead of Himself, Kingdom Harbor (3) Transforming Life Ministries