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. They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
In a secular world that often struggles to let voices of peace, faith, justice, and charity be heard, I think think passage gives us hope in numbers. Times can be tough for those of us who want to believe in ANYTHING greater than ourselves, greater than the struggle. However, Jesus sends his disciples out two by two..not alone. I think this not a coincidence. We are always stronger in faith with the support of one another. Even mroe reason to always be a friend and seek support when you need it. It's always there because would never set us out on a journey that we couldn't handle.
ReplyDeleteIt is not surprising that Jesus sends his disciples without a partner. I grew up in my faith life always surrounded by community and knowing that I had a group of believers always around to aid and support me in my travels. Once I hit college, I completely lost that support group and my faith took a huge hit. I realize now that it is extremely important to travel the path to Jesus with people who can help you, support you in your success, and aid you when you face difficulties. As I walk through this life, I am coming to terms that the people who are going to play the biggest roles in my life are going to be people who can talk to me about faith and will lead me to a greater understanding of how God is working in my life.
ReplyDeleteI also thought it was interesting that the followers of Jesus don’t carry any physical things besides what is on their back. This serves as a reminder that we sometimes may need to face a lack of certain things that we see as comforts in order to bring us closer to Jesus. It harkens me to Lent, when we give up certain things to place ourselves closer to God…but also makes me aware that Lent shouldn’t be the only time we step out of our comfort zone. Sometimes, doing what is right may be difficult and even hard to understand at first…and yet, we still must do it because we have faith that it is what we know God wants for us and will lead us to Him.