July 1, 2018
Failure; one of the hardest things we as people have to endure. And for something that happens on a daily basis, we often act like even the simplest failures are permanent and life ending. But, this isn't the case. In today's lesson, Christ not only sends his disciples our into their mission fields, but he also prepares them for the good times, and the not so good times as well.
Jesus tells warns his disciples that they, along with the radical message of love and salvation, won't always be accepted...and when this happens, they are to remember the sacrament of failure: kick the dust off their feet, and move on from that place.
Gospel Lesson: Mark 6:1-13
Jesus left that place and came to his hometown. His disciples
followed him. On the Sabbath, he began to teach in the
synagogue. Many who heard him were surprised. “Where did this
man get all this? What’s this wisdom he’s been given? What
about the powerful acts accomplished through him? Isn’t this the
carpenter? Isn’t he Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joses,
Judas, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” They were
repulsed by him and fell into sin.
Jesus said to them, “Prophets are honored everywhere except in
their own hometowns, among their relatives, and in their own
households.” He was unable to do any miracles there, except
that he placed his hands on a few sick people and healed
them. He was appalled by their disbelief.
Then Jesus traveled through the surrounding villages teaching.
He called for the Twelve and sent them out in pairs. He gave
them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take
nothing for the journey except a walking stick—no bread, no bags,
and no money in their belts. He told them to wear sandals but
not to put on two shirts. He said, “Whatever house you enter,
remain there until you leave that place. If a place doesn’t
welcome you or listen to you, as you leave, shake the dust off
your feet as a witness against them.” So they went out and
proclaimed that people should change their hearts and
lives. They cast out many demons, and they anointed many sick
people with olive oil and healed them.
