15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mark 6:7-13
We might be tempted to consider that today’s Gospel reading applies only to those who have dedicated themselves to ministerial positions in the Church. When Jesus sent the disciples out, he was indeed picking them out for a special role in building up the Kingdom of God, but theirs was not to be an exclusive role. All who are chosen as disciples have the responsibility to proclaim the Good News.
How could I survive if I cannot have ‘a spare tunic’ or money in my pocket? It seems as if the instructions of Jesus are a little unrealistic for those of us living in 21st century! But the Gospel is not concerned with literalness and the important thing is to get out on mission unencumbered by superfluous passions. They were to live simple lives and that certainly is a concept which is foreign to us today.
So often we purport to put our complete trust in God but cannot let go of our over reliance on money, relationships, and so many of the inessentials which surround us. St John Chrysostom said: ‘Riches are not forbidden but pride of them is.’ Simplicity is about having a sense of proportion; having a steady hand; having our feet on the ground; and most of all having great trust in God.
The disciples in today’s Gospel were going out as apprentices- we read later how they came back to report to Jesus on their progress. They were hesitant at first because they did not understand the power given them by Jesus. After Pentecost the same disciples went out and preached boldly in the power of the Spirit they had received. It is because disciples have the Spirit that they want for nothing else. “Do not be afraid; I am with you always even to the end of time!”