𝐺𝑖𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑑, 𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝐵𝑦 𝐺𝑜𝑑

In today’s Gospel reading, the disciples are sent to outsiders, thus expanding its missionary range and moving into Gentile lands.

Helmut Koester has suggested that Mark created the literary genre of the gospel as an instruction in discipleship, to sustain the life of the church and to prepare it for the inevitable experience of suffering. If that be the case, then today’s pericope is an explicit example of Jesus’ apostolic counsel.

A sense of eschatological urgency pervade the entire text. The instruction to take nothing – not food or luggage, money or change of clothing is more than an exhortation to simplicity and asceticism. With the belief that the Messianic era was upon them, such provision for a long campaign were deemed useless and unnecessary. In addition to the eschatological atmosphere of the episode, there is a message about trusting in divine providence of the Blessed Trinity.

For Amos and the apostles, as they are called and sent, they must know who they are and who it is who called them. The true prophet, Amos, knew the Lord sent him. The apostles were sent by Jesus. They came from varied walks of life. God calls everyone no matter who they are. Will you share Jesus’ message, the Good News of salvation, and go where he sends you and welcome others as you would Christ himself?

May the Lord help us to accept God’s call and mission for each one of us, for God’s glory and our salvation.

Have a blessed summer and an Amazing Sunday!

  𝙍𝙚𝙫. 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙈𝙖𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙮