July 12, 2015: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Photo: Sister Monica Withem in Peru, South America, works with children during her ministry there from 1963 to 1976.

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. 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. (Mark 6:7-13)

Reflection:

There is work to do! Jesus shares with the apostles his mission to teach and to heal. He pairs them up, gives them final instructions, and sends them on their way. Are you surprised that he tells them not to take money, food or extra clothes with them? Why do you think Jesus did that?

How do they respond? They believe in him, follow his directions, and share his message of forgiveness and healing with all who welcome them and listen. They depend on others for food and shelter, for hospitality. Above all they depend on Jesus for the ability to preach and cure; their “authority” of loving words and deeds is his gift to share with everyone.

Action:

Jesus needs helpers—maybe even me! What does Jesus want me to do this week, this summer? Does he share his work only with adults or are there things kids can do too? I ask Jesus about this. I promise to listen carefully to the responses I hear at home, in church and in my quiet prayer.