Scripture:
1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12
Mark 6:1-13
Reflection:
A Disciple’s Love
As Jesus gathered the Apostles together and began to send them out to preach and heal, they must have been filled with both excitement and fear. To preach repentance, to heal…with your only resources being your faith in Jesus, the clothes on your back, sandals and a walking stick…Wow! And – it worked! They drove out many demons, anointed the sick and cured them. To be able to come back to Jesus and report what happened…
We share that same call in the 21st century, to bring the Good News of Jesus to our world and its special needs. No small task in a large and complex world, beset with all-too-many human tragedies!
Jesus missioned those early Apostles in a spirit of simplicity and focus. Today’s call to Jesus’ mission comes to many of us in the midst of personal lives that are complex, cluttered, and most likely all-too-busy. Our desktops, p.d.a.’s, and calendars are filled with all sorts of opportunities, commitments and challenges. As we are sent out, our tendency is to carry along all our "baggage".
Perhaps…perhaps today’s Scripture encourages us to simplify and refocus our lives — just as David did with his son Solomon as death drew near. Jesus’ Message is clear: believe in Him and follow his example of all-inclusive, selfless, sacrificial love; live as if today were the ultimate day of life on earth, and the gateway to the fulfillment of Life which is Heaven. What needs to be set aside? Jesus encourages only a walking stick and a pair of sandals.
Fellow disciples: Let’s simplify, and take time for ourselves: some peace & quiet in prayer, time for a personal retreat, the opportunity to see the sun rise or set in these frosty winter days, time to get back in touch with family and friends. Let’s preach the Good News of Jesus — repentance, healing, love — by our lives, and use words if necessary!
Fr. John Schork, C.P. is the local leader of the Passionist community in Louisville, Kentucky.