Daily Reflections

How difficult is it for us to take this text seriously, we, who by our consumption and disposable mindsets, bury other people (the poor and powerless) in our waste?  We, who worry about what we are to eat and what we are to wear and what we think we need, are exhausting the natural world.  Creation is groaning to quote Pope Francis and St Paul, as forests burn, topsoil erodes, fields fail, deserts advance, seas acidify and storms intensify. 

In this passage, Jesus invites us to experience the joy of being unencumbered – the joy of complete freedom to trust in God’s providence and the hospitality of others.  Have you ever wanted to do that?  Kick over the traces and set out for places unknown, trusting that God has given you the gifts and skills you will need for the journey – that God goes with you?  Common sense usually prevails as we remember our responsibilities, commitments and obligations, but maybe we can strike a balance between these two extremes.  Can we take seriously the Eucharist we celebrate at Mass and live it in our daily lives, between Sundays, as we are renewed and we recommit to living sustainably with and for the Body of Christ?

The freedom implicit in this ‘sending’ by Jesus enables us to focus on the needs of those we encounter, instead of being distracted by our own worries and concerns.  Jesus gives the apostles, (no longer disciples but apostles for Jesus sends them) some road tips empowering them, and us, with authority to heal and dispel demons.  This can only happen with compassionate love and humble service and a putting aside our self-centredness. He asks them, and us, to travel lightly, unencumbered with the baggage of material things. They, and we, are to walk the path of simplicity, openness and trust. 

I wonder if this is what Jesus meant when he said ‘anyone who does not welcome the kingdom as a little child will never enter it?’ (Mark 10:15)

By Carole Danby