Cycle B - Year I:  

12 July 2015: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical color: Green)

Mark 6:7-13

Go, to preach the Good News!

Are leaders really born, or they are trained and developed over time, sometimes by special circumstances in their lives? Well, it could be both.

In the corporate world, for example, one effective way of developing future leaders is through an on-the-job training, where their leadership skills are harnessed through hands-on experience.

There is a similar training program for future religious missionaries. It is called "regency" where future members of religious congregations interrupt their academic and spiritual formation and they are sent to the field to have an actual experience of mission work undertaken by their congregation. (I recall with much gratitude to the Society of Divine Word my own experience as a regent at Divine Word College of Legazpi, under the guidance of Rev. Frs. Val Darunday, Belo San Luis, and the late Joe Calucag, all SVDs.)

Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself was the formator of the first Apostles. Thus far, from the day they were recruited the twelve apostles have been following our Lord from place to place, witnessing the miracles he performed and learning about his teachings. But they were just followers, and not missionaries themselves.

In the Gospel reading for this Sunday, Jesus will now give them the

"hands-on" training to prepare them for missionary work. He tells them that they will have to go out on their own and works their own miracles. And like Jesus, they are to give up their families and lead itinerant lifestyles, traveling from place to place to preach the message of the kingdom of God and work wonders in Jesus' name. Jesus gave his apostles both the power and authority to speak and act in his name.

What is the impact of the Gospel reading for us today? The following points for reflection may be helpful.

The mission of the twelve apostles is carried on today by their successors: the bishops and all ordained ministers, religious men and women, and even lay people like us. Because by virtue of our baptism, we lay people are also sent to bear witness to Christ in word and deed.

In doing our own missionary work as lay people, but also for ordained ministers, let us heed and reflect on Jesus' advice and instructions on the first apostles.

First, Jesus tells his apostles to "travel light", meaning with little or no provisions at all. Because "poverty of spirit" frees us from greed and preoccupation with material possessions and thus makes ample room for God's provision instead. In other words, we must trust and depend on God rather than on ourselves.

Second, the Lord gives us the power and authority to work wonders in his name. But he wants us to use this power and authority with love and humility, and always for the good of others. Remember always that it is the Lord we preach, not ourselves.

And last but not least, Jesus entrusts us with his gifts and talents to continue his saving works in our times. Are we ready and eager to place ourselves at his service, to do whatever he bids us to do, to witness his truth and saving power to whomever he sends us?

In the Eucharist at Holy Mass, let us pray: "Lord, 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 pursue the things of heaven without distraction. May I truly witness the joy of the Gospel, both in my word and deed. Amen."

A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!