Theme: We need to be faithful to Jesus’ instructions in our mission.
Scripture: 1 King 2:1-4, 10-12; 1 Chr. 29:10, 11ab, 11d-12a, 12bcd; Mk. 6:7-13
We have finished two books of the Old Testament namely first and second book of Samuel. Today’s first reading is from the first book of Kings. We read about the death of David. Just before his death, he handed over his mission to his son Solomon. He told him to follow the mandate of the Lord. Solomon had to follow God’s ways, his statutes, commands, ordinances and decrees which were written in the law of Moses. David asked Solomon to teach his sons the same. It is very true that the Israel could defeat any king until their kings remained obedient to God. The main thrust of David’s advice was to remain obedient to God.
In the Gospel text, Jesus also handed over his mission to his twelve disciples. Jesus gave them instructions before he sent them two by two. He gave them power to preach and heal. He told them nothing to take for their journey except a walking stick and a sandle but no purse, no sack, no food, no second tunic, no second place to reside. It showed that they were asked to completely dependent on God. They were to learn not to rely on their resources but on God. The simplicity of life would help them to concentrate on the proclamation of the kingdom. Lack of material possession gave credibility to their message. Thus the people knew that they were preaching out of conviction, not for material gain. The main thrust of Jesus’ guidance was to make his disciples totally dependent on God.
We too are commissioned by the sacraments of Baptism, confirmation, marriage and priesthood. We are called to proclaim the Gospel in our lives. Are dependent on God? Are we obedient to Lord’s teaching? We can be successful in our mission as long as we keep the instructions of the Lord in our lives. May this holy Eucharist help us to remain faithful to the Lord and his teachings.
Fr. Alex D’Mello
