Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

July 15, 2018 

Readings:

First Reading: Amos 7: 12-15

Psalm: 85

Second Reading: Ephesian 1: 3-14 (or 1: 3-10

Gospel reading according to Mark 6: 7-13

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Homily:

Jesus has to train his twelve apostles in a way he learned it from God his Father.  As a good leader, he has to transfer what he had learned to his most trusted friends and disciples, whom he knew can perform and endure what he was doing, so that when the time comes for him to leave, surely they can continue what he had started. “Jesus summoned the twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits” (Mk. 6: 7).  He called his chosen twelve disciples to him and told them that he was going to send them out to different places as far as they can reach.  He was not sending them alone but rather two by two (in pairs) so that if something happens someone can report the incident to him; also that they might not be ashamed if they go two by two rather than if he goes alone by himself.  In twos or pairs, they can help and support one another.  The disciple (follower) cannot trust himself if he works alone, but with companions they can work together and the work becomes easy.  Jesus, too, has given them authority and power to expel unclean spirits.

Like a good pastor or shepherd who has walking stick (pamalo o tungkod) to protect the sheep from wolves, Jesus gave them authority and permission (pahintulot) to carry walking stick and no more. Walking Stick is a sign of power and authority to rule and to lead.  In their journey, they must look for the lost sheep scattered to different land and in danger of wild beasts.  So, it is necessary for shepherd and/or pastor to have a walking stick as his and sheep’s protection from loose animals and thieves, too. To recognize his apostles, they must have something that represents authority and leadership to follow. “He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but with a walking stick – no food, no sack, no money in their belts” (Mk. 6: 8).  But, he instructed them not to bring provisions like food, sack, money in their belts.  He wanted his disciples to go light and less worries regarding their provisions.  To evade their minds and hearts to their supplies, they must bring nothing for themselves but have trust and confidence from the goodness of God to be shown to them by the people they will meet.

They were permitted to wear sandals as protection for their feet and to make their journey fast. But no extra tunic or second clothes or else they might bring with them luggage. “They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic” (Mk. 6: 9).  When doing missionary work, it is not necessary to bring many clothes, pants, underwear, etc.  In the place where you are going, the people there will provide what you need, and there is no need to hoard many things because you will not need them but rather they will become burden in your ministry and in your journeying in bringing the good news from God.  In journeying, bring only what is necessary, and above all, prepare yourself in meeting other people with humility and kindness.

He gave them also a strict command. “He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave’ . . .  (Mk. 6: 10).  When they are accepted in a house, they should not transfer or move from one house to another.  They should stay and remain to that house as their base, so that people can easily locate them when they are needed.  When they go out to preach, they have to return to that house when evening comes, to eat, and to pray and to rest. 

And, in the case they are not accepted in any houses or towns in any places, Jesus told them “. . . ‘Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them’.” (Mk. 6: 11).  They are free to leave there and have to shake the dust that clings in their sandals and in their feet as a sign of repugnance to them.

“So they went off and preached repentance” (Mk. 6: 12).  After receiving instructions, the twelve apostles left to preach.  They will preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins as part and/or pre-requisite of accepting the Reign-Kingdom of God.  As what Jesus has had given to the twelve apostles power to expel demons “and gave them authority over unclean spirits,” “The twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them” (Mk. 6: 13).  In addition to this (driving out demons), they have received also the power to heal sicknesses and to cure different illnesses by anointing them with oil.  Truly, the Reign-Kingdom of God is happening in our midst despite we do not see it but we saw many people were healed in their sickness and many repented of their sins, for our God is a loving Father who loves us, His children.