Gospel Reading – Mark 6: 7-13
Jesus called the twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics.
He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”
So, they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
The Gospel of the Lord
The Mass intention is for Jimmy Q’s Intentions
Reflection
“Wallet, keys, phone…” Many of us have a mantra we recite as we leave home, to ensure we are ready for the day. Jesus sends us out with less, inviting us to trust, to be ready to engage with and respond to the world around us.
Many people allow themselves to become defensive and protective, aware of slights and insults. Jesus invites his followers to shake off and leave behind acrimony, resistance and unfriendliness. We ask Jesus to help us to keep our eyes on him and his heart rather than letting our hearts be restricted or narrow.
The teaching that God’s love is present in welcoming strangers and neighbours has been a strong belief of many cultures. The Indian writer, Tagore tells us that when people left his hut, he found ‘God’s footsteps on the floor’.
The divine lives in each of us, and when we welcome each other, we welcome God, and Jesus the Son of God. This is the welcome of the church to all. Too often the church has been choosy about who to welcome or not welcome to the table of the Lord or even to the community.
Our country can be overly particular in welcoming the stranger in need. A call to the church today is to welcome all and be enriched by the variety of prayer, friendship and worship which all can bring.
- How does the Heart of Jesus comfort and protect you?
- Is your heart open to welcome all of your brothers and sisters?