July 14, 2024: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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. 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.

Reflection

“… take nothing for the journey but a walking stick…” and wear sandals. These are the words that stood out for me as I read this Gospel passage. Here, midway through the Gospel of Mark, Jesus begins to empower his apostles to preach and heal in his name. In the beginning chapters of this Gospel, Mark related many of Jesus’ important teachings and healings — Jesus is preparing the apostles with his words and actions. Now he is sending them to do likewise. And he tells them to take a walking stick and wear sandals!

Perhaps these words spoke to me because I’ve just returned from a vacation with a friend to Shenandoah National Park where I put my own walking stick to good use. A walking stick gave me support and encouraged my walking on. When I tired of an upward climb, I seemed to be able to follow its lead, step by step.

In Mark’s Gospel Jesus appears to be always moving on –— another town, another healing, another person to touch, and another parable to share. Perhaps their own walking sticks would be a reminder to the apostles that they too were to be “movin’ on” and following their teacher’s lead.

Action

This week you might think about what for you is a symbol of movement on your spiritual journey — a pair of sandals (or hiking boots)?  The north star? An outstretched hand? Or maybe your own walking stick!