Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary:
104
Amaziah, priest of Bethel , said
to Amos,
"Off with you, visionary, flee to theland of Judah
There earn your bread by prophesying,
but never again prophesy inBethel
for it is the king's sanctuary and a royal temple."
Amos answered Amaziah, "I was no prophet,
nor have I belonged to a company of prophets;
I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.
The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me,
Go, prophesy to my peopleIsrael
"Off with you, visionary, flee to the
There earn your bread by prophesying,
but never again prophesy in
for it is the king's sanctuary and a royal temple."
Amos answered Amaziah, "I was no prophet,
nor have I belonged to a company of prophets;
I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.
The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me,
Go, prophesy to my people
Responsorial Psalm Ps 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14
R. (8) Lord, let us see your kindness,
and grant us your salvation.
I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD --for he proclaims peace.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and prepare the way of his steps.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD --for he proclaims peace.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and prepare the way of his steps.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
Reading 2 Eph 1:3-14
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of his grace
that he granted us in the beloved.
In him we have redemption by his blood,
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us.
In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us
the mystery of his will in accord with his favor
that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times,
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
In him we were also chosen,
destined in accord with the purpose of the One
who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,
we who first hoped in Christ.
In him you also, who have heard the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him,
were sealed with the promised holy Spirit,
which is the first installment of our inheritance
toward redemption as God's possession, to the praise of his glory.
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of his grace
that he granted us in the beloved.
In him we have redemption by his blood,
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us.
In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us
the mystery of his will in accord with his favor
that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times,
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
In him we were also chosen,
destined in accord with the purpose of the One
who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,
we who first hoped in Christ.
In him you also, who have heard the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him,
were sealed with the promised holy Spirit,
which is the first installment of our inheritance
toward redemption as God's possession, to the praise of his glory.
Or Eph 1:3-10
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of God's grace
that he granted us in the beloved.
In him we have redemption by his blood,
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us.
In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us
the mystery of his will in accord with his favor
that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times,
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of God's grace
that he granted us in the beloved.
In him we have redemption by his blood,
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us.
In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us
the mystery of his will in accord with his favor
that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times,
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
Gospel Mk 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.
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.
The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
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.
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.
The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Scripture Study
July 15, 2012 Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
This
weekend the Church celebrates the Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time. Both the
first reading and the gospel deal with the idea of being sent on a mission for
the Lord. The reading from Amos makes clear that God picks whomever He wishes
and the Gospel reading shows the sense of mission and the urgency that should
be visible in the behavior of those sent. Paul gives us a beautiful picture of
God's love in the new status of Christians as adopted children of God. The
readings ask us to reconsider the fullness of our own responses to the mission
that God has given each of us by virtue of our baptism and confirmation. Do we
respond with the openness of Paul and the faithfulness of the Apostles? It also
asks us to consider how we respond to others who have been given a task by the
Lord. Do we react like Amaziah when we encounter someone sent by God to help
us?
NOTES on First Reading
*
7:12 This event occurred after Israel Judah Israel Judah
but was called by God to be a prophet and was sent by God to the northern
kingdom to preach in Israel Judah Judah )
interfering in the religious and political affairs of Israel
* 7:14-15 Amos denies being a
"prophet for hire" and being a member of a guild of prophets (1 Kgs
20:35; 2 Kgs 2:3,5,7,15; 4:1,38). Thus he disavows any connection to the
professional prophets and claims that the choice was made by God Himself. Verse
15 contains an order from God which is a direct contradiction of Amaziah's
statement in verse 12.
NOTES on Second Reading
*
1:3-14 Here Paul deviates from his usual pattern of letter writing by inserting
a blessing of God for the blessings Christians have experienced after the
greeting and then continuing with a prayer of thanksgiving. The blessing used
here is very similar to a common Jewish and early Christian berakah (type of
blessing found in Tobit 13:1;1 Pt 1:3). It is rich in images most probably
drawn from hymns and liturgical prayers of the time. There seems to be a heavy
usage of baptismal references and language in the prayer of blessing. Most of
the ideas presented here would already have been familiar to the readers. The
same ideas are also found in Col 1:3-23. Paul emphasizes his point by repeating
certain phrases such as:
in Christ (Eph 1:3,10,12), which here may mean either incorporation in Christ (usual Pauline meaning) or instrumentally, often alludes to the unity of Jewish and Gentile Christians; in him (Eph 1:4,7,9,11,13); in the Beloved (Eph 1:6); and the praise of (His) glory (Eph 1:6,12,14).
The trinity is discernible in the structure of the passage (Eph 1:3-14): God the Father (Eph 1:3-6,8,11), Christ (Eph 1:3,5,7-10,12), and the Spirit (Eph 1:13-14). The spiritual blessings which Christians have received through Christ are enumerated in the rest of the passage. In the very existence of the Christian communities the apostle sees the predetermined plan of God to bring all creation under the final rule of Christ (Eph 1:4-5,9-10) being made known (Eph 1:9) and carried through, to God's glory (Eph 1:6,12,14). Paul sees their Christ-centered faith as evidence of this plan being brought to fulfillment.
The phrase, given as "in the heavens" means literally, "in the heavenlies" or "in the heavenly places," which is a term used in Ephesians for the divine realm. It introduces the theme of the union of the heavenly and earthly worlds.
in Christ (Eph 1:3,10,12), which here may mean either incorporation in Christ (usual Pauline meaning) or instrumentally, often alludes to the unity of Jewish and Gentile Christians; in him (Eph 1:4,7,9,11,13); in the Beloved (Eph 1:6); and the praise of (His) glory (Eph 1:6,12,14).
The trinity is discernible in the structure of the passage (Eph 1:3-14): God the Father (Eph 1:3-6,8,11), Christ (Eph 1:3,5,7-10,12), and the Spirit (Eph 1:13-14). The spiritual blessings which Christians have received through Christ are enumerated in the rest of the passage. In the very existence of the Christian communities the apostle sees the predetermined plan of God to bring all creation under the final rule of Christ (Eph 1:4-5,9-10) being made known (Eph 1:9) and carried through, to God's glory (Eph 1:6,12,14). Paul sees their Christ-centered faith as evidence of this plan being brought to fulfillment.
The phrase, given as "in the heavens" means literally, "in the heavenlies" or "in the heavenly places," which is a term used in Ephesians for the divine realm. It introduces the theme of the union of the heavenly and earthly worlds.
*
1:4-5 The terms, "chose" and "destined," reflect Old
Testament theology (Deut 7:7; 9:4-6; 14:2; 23:5). The terms, "holy and
blameless," are used in 5:27 to describe the Church, the bride of Christ.
See also Col 1:22.
*
1:5 Through association with Christ and the church Christians are members of
the family of God (see Rom 8:14- 17).
The term "destined" or "predestined" (depending upon translation) that is used here does not have quite the same meaning as was used later by Calvin and his more extreme followers. God's ultimate plan involves a final destiny of glory for all who put their faith in Christ. Those who are called are said to be predestined or predetermined. These expressions do not mean that God is arbitrary. Paul uses them to emphasize the thought and care that God has taken for the Christian's salvation. This concept later became twisted into the idea that God created some people for salvation and others for the ultimate purpose of damning them. This follows from an unscriptural view of the character of God. It is not what Paul had in mind. The relationship between God's election and man's choosing is a deep one. There are no easy answers and both truths are taught in Scripture but it is a grave error to take one Biblical truth to an unbiblical extreme that places it in opposition to other Biblical truths. The problem is not with the Bible or with the truth but with our understanding of both.
The term "destined" or "predestined" (depending upon translation) that is used here does not have quite the same meaning as was used later by Calvin and his more extreme followers. God's ultimate plan involves a final destiny of glory for all who put their faith in Christ. Those who are called are said to be predestined or predetermined. These expressions do not mean that God is arbitrary. Paul uses them to emphasize the thought and care that God has taken for the Christian's salvation. This concept later became twisted into the idea that God created some people for salvation and others for the ultimate purpose of damning them. This follows from an unscriptural view of the character of God. It is not what Paul had in mind. The relationship between God's election and man's choosing is a deep one. There are no easy answers and both truths are taught in Scripture but it is a grave error to take one Biblical truth to an unbiblical extreme that places it in opposition to other Biblical truths. The problem is not with the Bible or with the truth but with our understanding of both.
*
1:6 Use of "beloved" echoes back to the story of Christ's baptism
(Mark 1:11 and parallels).
*
1:7 Redemption and forgiveness are possible because of Christ's death into
which the Christian is incorporated through baptism (Col
*
1:8-9 Although wisdom and understanding can be seen as human qualities imparted
by God's grace as part of the previous verse (as does the NEB), they seem to
fit better with 3:10 as divine properties that underlie the revelation of the
mystery of God's will.
*
1:9 Here as in Romans 16:25; Col 1:26,27 among others, mystery means a secret
of God now revealed in the plan to save and sum up all things in Christ (Eph
1:10). See Eph 3:3-6.
*
1:10 While in Col 1:25 the plan involves Paul's commission to preach, here in
Ephesians the plan amounts to all the measures that go into God's plan to sum
up all things in Christ.
*
1:12 Those "who first hoped" are probably Jewish Christians in
contrast with "you" meaning the Gentiles in verse 13. Other
possibilities are the people of Israel
*
1:13 Sealed probably refers to being sealed by God, in baptism. See Eph 4:30
and 2 Cor 1:22.
* 1:14 "First installment" is
usually taken to mean a down payment by God on full
NOTES on Gospel:
*
6:7 Here we have a quick glimpse of Jesus as organizer. He does not wait until
the twelve are fully trained before he involves them in His work.
*
6:8 Bread is a theme from here until 8:26. The word was also used for food in
general. Here it means no means of support. The purse was a girdle or belt that
was used to carry things like money.
*
6:9-11 Jesus urges the Twelve to streamline themselves and their style of work.
No possessions are to burden them or distract them and they are not to seek
better accommodations once they are settled. They are not to waste their time
on the unreceptive but move on if they are rejected.
*
6:11 To shake off the dust of a place was a Semitic expression of contempt.
* 6:13 Presumably they learned to use oil
from Jesus although it was already a common practice among healers of that day.
See James 5:14-15
Meditation:
"They anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them"
What kind of authority and power
does the Lord Jesus want you to exercise on his behalf? Jesus gave his apostles
both the power and the authority to speak and to act in his name. He commanded
them to do the works which he did – to heal, to free people from the power of
the evil one, and to speak the word of God – the good news of the gospel which
they received from Jesus. When Jesus spoke of power and authority he did
something unheard of. He wedded power and authority with love and humility. The
"world" and the "flesh" seek power for selfish gain. Jesus
teaches us to use it for the good of our neighbor. The Lord Jesus commissions
all the members of his body the church to be his ambassadors and missionaries –
to bring the good news of the gospel to all peoples, lands, and nations. He
freely pours out his Holy Spirit upon each one of us so that we may have the
confidence and boldness to speak and act in his name wherever he places and
sends us.Why does Jesus tell the apostles to "travel light" with little or no provision? "Poverty of spirit" frees us from greed and preoccupation with possessions and makes ample room for God's provision. The Lord wants his disciples to be dependent on him and not on themselves. He wills to work through and in each one of us for his glory. Are you ready to handle the power and authority which God wishes you to exercise on his behalf? The Lord entrusts us with his gifts and talents. Are you eager to place yourself at his service, to do whatever he bids you, and to witness his truth and saving power to whomever he sends you?
"Lord Jesus, make me a channel of your grace and healing love that others may find life and freedom in you. Free me from all other attachments that I may joyfully pursue the things of heaven. May I witness the joy of the gospel both in word and deed."
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Learning to Follow Directions |
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Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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Listen to
podcast version here. 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. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I believe in you, and I believe that I must follow your will in all that I do. I hope in you, and I place my hope in what you have planned for me today. Teach me not to place my hope in created things, but only in your will. Lord, I love you, and I desire to love your will with greater fervor. Open my heart to respond to your will with generosity and joy. Petition: Lord, help me to transmit your message through my words and actions. 1. Two By Two: Our Lord didn’t send the apostles out in their mission as isolated individuals, but in pairs. Jesus wanted them to realize that alone they would not be strong enough. Alone they would be vulnerable to attacks. Alone they might succumb to temptation and discouragement. Jesus’ disciples were not alone as they labored to carry out their mission, and neither are we. The mission we have of following Jesus may be difficult at times, but Jesus knows this. He places people in our path to help and support us. We must realize that we need the help of others and that others also need our help. We are not alone! 2. Take Nothing: Jesus wanted his apostles to realize that he is in charge of the mission. Jesus tells them to leave at home what we would consider basic items necessary for any trip. This was a radical lesson for the apostles, as it is for us. Jesus doesn’t want us to rely on our personal efforts, the advanced technology of the day, or any other methods or elements that we can invent for our security or success. He is the origin of any success in our lives, and he alone gives true security. Jesus tells the apostles to take nothing on their journey, except him. 3. They Went Off: The apostles then went to preach repentance and cure the sick. They trusted in Jesus and in the mission he had entrusted to them. As they began to work, they saw that their efforts were bearing fruit. The people they encountered were responsive. They could see that they were changing lives. In our own lives we don’t often encounter receptive crowds, open and eager to hear about Christ and prepared to amend their lives and start off on a new path. We often find hostility and opposition. In either situation — success or failure — as we try to build Christ’s Kingdom, we must trust in him and remember that we are called to be faithful, not necessarily successful from a human standpoint. Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, you’ve given me a mission to spread your Gospel among my family members, friends and coworkers — everyone I encounter. Help me to be faithful to this mission and to undertake it in the way you wish, not the way it most pleases me. Resolution: I will fulfill my prayer commitments today with generosity and fidelity. |
Lord,
show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation
They
went off and preached repentance.Jesus sent his twelve disciples on a mission and in particular to preach repentance. The lesson of repentance is obviously an important one for us to learn. On Ash Wednesday, as a cross is placed on our foreheads, we are urged to ‘turn away from sin and remain faithful to the Gospel’. These words, in essence, summarise repentance. It is not just a change of mind but also a change of action.
What are we holding on to today that keeps our hands tied and prevents us from embracing God fully? With genuine sorrow, we need to let go of it now and turn to our God. If not, we still haven’t taken the first step in living out our Christian faith—that of repentance.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
FOOTPRINTS
Last night I had a dream. I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord and across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonged to me, the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before us I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of life, there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of my life. This really bothered me, so I questioned the Lord about it.
'Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don't understand why in times when I needed you most, you would leave me.'
The Lord replied, 'My precious child, I love you and I would never, never leave you during times of trial and suffering. When you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you'.
- Author unknown
From A Canopy of Stars: Some Reflections for the Journey by Fr Christopher Gleeson SJ [David Lovell Publishing 2003]
www.churchresources.info
MINUTE
MEDITATIONS
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Listen
Up
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Ever thought about that phrase “listen up”?
It’s not just a phrase but good advice. We all think heaven’s up, right? So
listen up.
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July 15
St. Bonaventure
(1221-1274)
St. Bonaventure
(1221-1274)
Bonaventure, Franciscan, theologian,
doctor of the Church, was both learned and holy. Because of the spirit that
filled him and his writings, he was at first called the Devout Doctor; but in
more recent centuries he has been known as the Seraphic Doctor after the
“Seraphic Father” Francis because of the truly Franciscan spirit he possessed.
Born in
Bagnoregio, a town in central  |
| St.Bonaventure receives the envoys of The Byzantine Emperor at the Second Council of Lyon. |
Comment:
Bonaventure so united holiness and theological knowledge that he rose to the heights of mysticism while yet remaining a very active preacher and teacher, one beloved by all who met him. To know him was to love him; to read him is still for us today to meet a true Franciscan and a gentleman.
Bonaventure so united holiness and theological knowledge that he rose to the heights of mysticism while yet remaining a very active preacher and teacher, one beloved by all who met him. To know him was to love him; to read him is still for us today to meet a true Franciscan and a gentleman.
LECTIO: 15TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (B)
Lectio:
Sunday, July 15, 2012
The mission of the twelve
Mark 6:7-13
1. Opening prayer
Father, grant that we may see in
your Son the face of your love, the Word of salvation and mercy, so that we may
follow him with generous heart and proclaim him in word and deed to our
brothers and sisters who look for the Kingdom and his justice. Pour out your
Spirit upon us that we may listen attentively and that our witness may be
authentic and free, even in difficult times and in times when we do not
understand. Who lives and reigns forever and ever.
2. Reading
a) The context:
After the calling (in the text
"institution") of the twelve (Mk 3: 13-19), Jesus teaches and heals
as part of their schooling. Now the time has come for their first public
practice: as a first experience, they have to go and proclaim. Two by two, they
go among the people with tasks, which in Mark seem to be rather simple: a
generic proclamation to conversion and various types of prodigies against evil.
Jesus does not let the violent refusal of himself in Nazareth
The other two Synoptic Gospels (Mt
10: 1-42; Lk 9: 1-10) recount with greater precision the tasks and challenges
the twelve will meet. However, in all the Gospels it is important to note that
the mission comes from Jesus and only after they have learnt from him the manner
and the content. The number "twelve" - so often repeated in
connection with the foundation of the new community, even to the glories of the
Apocalypse - signify continuity, but also the surpassing of the preceding
saving economy. The sending "two by two" must be understood according
to the Jewish mentality that accepts any witness only if it is brought by a
"community" (at least minimal) and not by one person.
b) The text:
And he went about among the
villages teaching. 7 And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them
out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged
them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no
money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And
he said to them, "Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the
place. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you,
when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against
them." 12 So they went out and preached that men should repent. 13 And
they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed
them.
3. A moment of silent prayer
to re-read the text with our heart
and to recognise in the words and structure, the presence of the mystery of the
living God.
4. Some questions
to see the important points in the
text and begin to assimilate them.
a) In Mark, why is the driving out
of the unclean spirits so important?
b) What is the sense of this
insistence on poverty of means?
c) What is the content of this
first proclamation?
d) Why does Jesus place together
poverty and courage and freedom?
e) Why does the proclamation have
to be itinerant and not stable?
f) What do the other Synoptic
Gospels explain better?
5. A deepening of the reading
"He began to send them out
two by two"
The mission of the disciples does
not come from personal enthusiasm or from a desire for greatness. It begins
when Jesus thinks that they are ready to speak, based on what they have heard
and assimilated. According to Mark, until then they had seen many miracles,
heard some teachings, important among the teachings being the theme of the seed
that grows in several ways; they have also assisted at some arguments between
Jesus and the leaders.
They were to refer themselves to
Jesus' practice as healer, his call to conversion, his availability to move
among the people, his itinerant preaching. They are certainly not mature yet.
Under Jesus' supervision they will learn and better themselves: they will come
up with the right words and the proper gestures. They will experience the
enthusiasm that comes from great success, but in the end, they will have to go
beyond even their focus on miracles in order to announce the death and
resurrection of the Saviour.
"He gave them authority over
the unclean spirits"
This concerns "exousia"
which Jesus practised too: they are therefore empowered and authorised to use
the same power. For Mark, it almost seems that this is the main exercise at
this time; in fact, he concentrates on this aspect of Jesus as
"thaumaturge" and one who drives out evil spirits.
We need to understand that
"unclean spirits" meant many things: psychic diseases, forms of
epilepsy, destructive spiritual forces, the enslaving power of the law, every
form of psychic disability, physical malfunctions, etc.
Power is exercised in walking
among these sufferings, accepting the challenge to faith in God provided by
these challenges, accepting to live in solidarity, accepting the dignity of
each human being. We must not identify "unclean" with sexual or legal
impurity. It is a matter of "purity" as God sees it, that is, love,
solidarity, justice, mercy, collaboration, welcoming, etc. That is why the
twelve will have to call "to conversion" from these prejudices, perverse
and "unclean" forms to live as children of God.
"Nothing for their journey,
except a staff…"
Their mission must be an itinerant
one, not sedentary; that is, the mission must constantly stimulate the going,
new encounters, detachment from results, interior and exterior freedom. Hence
the recommendation, found in all the Synoptic Gospels, to practise material
poverty in dress and food, in security and guarantees. It was probably also a
matter of the shortness of the experience: as a first exercise, it was not
supposed to last long, and so, they had to travel light, free, focussed more on
the importance of the proclamation than on the consolidation of results.
But when this text was written,
the situation of the community of disciples was a lot more developed and
consolidated. Thus, the memory of these recommendations not only served to
recall this first joyful and adventurous experience, but also to confront the
present style of life and customs with those of the time of Jesus, now so long
ago. Thus the text aims at remembering and at a new missionary impetus, less
fearful of the demands of comfort and security.
"When you leave, shake off
the dust…"
The Lord's recommendations bring
together two aspects, which only appear to be in contradiction. On the one
hand, the disciples must be completely available to meet the people, without
thinking of gain or survival. They must seek out sick people - that is, those
sick for personal or social reasons, from the oppression of the law or from of
human evil - and free them, pour the oil of consolation on them, heal their
wounds and interior hurts. But, on the other hand, they must also avoid
accepting any form of hypocrisy and irresponsible do-gooders.
Besides charity and care for the
suffering, they must also have the courage to unmask hypocrisy, react to closed
minds and accept personal failure. Where they are not received, they must leave
without regrets or weakness. Rejection or hypocrisy render proclamation and
witness sterile. He asks for a clear and unequivocal break, a thing that Jesus
himself, perhaps, had not experienced much. He always tried to go back and
dialogue, suffered from the closed minds of the Pharisees and the Scribes. He
challenged their tenacious and insidious teachings. Yet now he imposes on his
disciples the direction not to waste time on those who will not receive them.
Probably, in this recommendation there is also an adaptation to the situation
of the community: they must not regret the break with the Israelite community.
There had been a closed attitude and a ferocious and aggressive refusal: well,
Jesus had foreseen this too. There was no need to grieve. They must go to other
people and they must not waste time trying to win back that which could not be
won back.
6. Psalm 85
Prayer for justice and peace
Show us thy steadfast love,
O Lord, and grant us thy
salvation.
Let me hear what God the Lord will
speak,
for he will speak peace to his
people, to his saints,
to those who turn to him in their
hearts.
Surely his salvation is at hand
for those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.
Steadfast love and faithfulness
will meet;
righteousness and peace will kiss
each other.
Faithfulness will spring up from
the ground,
and righteousness will look down
from the sky.
Yea, the Lord will give what is
good,
and our land will yield its
increase.
Righteousness will go before him,
and make his footsteps a way.
7. Closing prayer
Lord our God, keep your Son’s
disciples from the easy ways of popularity, of cheap glory, and lead them to
the ways of the poor and scourged of the earth, so that they may recognise in
their faces the face of the Master and Redeemer. Give them eyes to see possible
ways of peace and solidarity; ears to hear the requests of sense and salvation
of so many people who seek as by feeling; enrich their hearts with generous
fidelity and a sensitiveness and understanding so that they may walk along the
way and be true and sincere witnesses to the glory that shines in the crucified
resurrected and victorious one. Who lives and reigns gloriously with you,
Father, forever and ever. Amen.
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