Homily for Friday 7th February 2019
_“So they went out and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.” *(Mark 6:12-13)*_
Having spent some time with Jesus, it was time for the disciples of Jesus to go out on “industrial training.” Jesus knew very well that learning without practical application is futile. In sending out the twelve, there are some important details we cannot easily gloss over as far as the work of saving souls is concerned.
First, is the CALL. Jesus was the one who called the twelve to send them out. They were not the ones who came to Jesus requesting to be sent out. This important element is what distinguishes pastoral ministry from any other career. The religious life is a gift, not a profession. It is a gift that demands obedience (even to places where you do not want to go or to tasks you may not feel like doing).
The second key element is COLLABORATION. Jesus sent them out two by two. As far as winning souls is concerned, no one ever succeeds alone. This collaboration goes beyond the fact that two people are moving from house to house. On a deeper level, collaboration entails the efforts of many who work behind the scenes supporting with prayers as well as physical and financial support.
The third element is DETACHMENT. This third element, however, depends on the strength of the second. Jesus charged the disciples to take nothing for the journey not because they wouldn’t need anything but because an adequate provision had been made for them already. This is the meaning of “whatever house you enter, eat what is set before you.” The disciples were to go empty handed as a sign of trust in God who always makes a way and provides what is needed. When making money becomes a priority for the minister, he or she has lost focus!
The fourth element is RIGHT ATTITUDE. Jesus told them not to force themselves on those who will reject them but to simply leave shaking off the dust on their feet. As far as winning souls is concerned, success is not guaranteed. People are always free to listen, walk away or even attack the minister. The minister should never be discouraged or look down on himself when he fails because the work of mission is not yours but God’s.
The fifth element is the CONTENT OF THE MESSAGE. Mark tells us that they “went out and preached that men should repent.” This is very important. What is the content of our message? Do we tell people what they like to hear or what they ought to hear? Could it be the case that repentance is no longer needed in today’s society?
The sixth point is DELIVERANCE FROM DEMONS. Whether we like it or not, the devil is very active in our world and one essential task of the minister is to use the authority God has freely bestowed by virtue of the call. God never gives us an assignment without first equipping us. We may think less of ourselves like Jeremiah who complained about his age or like Gideon who was shy but until we actually exercise our power, we would never know what we have.
The seventh and last point is the SACRAMENTS. Mark concluded by saying they “anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.” There are seven sacraments corresponding to our human life on earth. A sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace ordained by Jesus Christ by which grace is given to our souls. The disciples of Jesus made use of visible elements (anointing oil) coupled with faith and prayer and they performed healing on the sick. The minister must never allow the administration the sacraments to be reduced to the level of mere performance, he must put in faith and commitment to his work.
In conclusion, whenever readings of this nature are taken, there is always a tendency for us to look at our ministers in a manner suggestive of even judging them. We assume “this does not concern me” but in truth, we owe them a great duty which is: PRAYER. Left to ourselves, we can do nothing. It is just the grace of God that is at work in us.
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, you sent your disciples on mission, fill me with your power and your Holy Spirit that I may not return to you empty-handed. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Hebrews 12:18-24, Psalm 48 and Mark 6:7-13).
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