Cycle B - Year II:  

15 July 20180: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time  

(Liturgical Color: Green)

Readings:

First Reading:        Amos 7:12-15

Second Reading:   Ephesians 1:3-14

Gospel:Please Read  Mark 6:7-13

We share in the mission....

A great challenge of our Christian faith is to share it with others. Are we ready and willing to be missionaries for our Lord Jesus Christ?

Perhaps, that's a tough question to answer.... especially now in the Philippines when the Catholic Church seems to be persecuted by political leaders.  In just six months four Catholic priests were targeted and three fell victims to assassins inside the chapel. What is happening to our country?

This Sunday's Gospel is about the Church's missionary mandate. Our Lord Jesus Christ sends the twelve apostles out to preach and bring the Good News to the people.

Now recall that our Lord Jesus 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 teaching. But they were just followers, and not missionaries themselves.

Jesus will now give them the "hands-on" training to prepare themselves for missionary work. Jesus tells them that they will have to go out on their own and works their own miracles. And like Jesus, they have 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. And Jesus gave His apostles both the power and authority to speak and act in His name.

So 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 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 missionary word, 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 want us to use this power and authority with love and humility, and always for the good of others. We must remember always that it is the Lord we are preaching, and not ourselves.

And third 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, regardless of the personal risks involved?

In the Eucharist at Mass, let us therefore 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!