Some important things to note by the disciples of Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 15th Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 6:7-13*

*First Reading - Eph 1:3-14 or Eph 1:3-10*

*FIRST READING - Am 7:12-15*

*Some important things to note by the disciples of Jesus*

*1) Jesus Instructions to His Disciples*

The Gospel of the day, highlights the importance of sending of the disciples to the mission 

As Jesus was about to send them for the mission, He gives some of the important guidelines to them, which they are supposed to follow 

At times it appears very strange to read the instructions and we may get some questions, why Jesus is giving such kinds of instructions

When we try to understand the meaning of these things we come to know why Jesus has said this 

*2) First of all Jesus says, No food*

When some one is busy with the mission of the Lord, should not have too much pre occupation with the Food 

Too much worry about the food may spoil the purpose of the mission 

At times food also is the item of temptation, which is very clear when Satan tempted Jesus to convert stones into bread 

When food transforms from the need to greed it becomes a real problem

However Jesus is not against having food which is necessary to support our life. That is why Jesus taught us to pray  *Give us this day our daily Bread*

Moreover, this gesture of not taking food, while going for mission also shows the tremendous faith in God

*3) Secondly Jesus says, No sack*

The purpose of sack is to carry things. It can have two levels of meaning 

*First level of meaning*

No sack means : don't take anything else while going for the mission of the Lord. Its enough that one goes with his/her open heart and mind to serve the Lord 

It also means that Gods mission is not restricted through things or Gods mission is achieved only through worldly things 

*Second level of meaning*

Taking sacks while going for mission means, one is intended to get something from the place of mission 

Sack means here a container which is used to get things and to bring back, a selfish motive in mission 

Gods mission does not consists in getting but in giving. So not to have selfish goals but selfless goal 

Don't make your life like a sack, which is uses for getting things 

*4) Thirdly Jesus says No money*

*The love of money is the root of all evil* which can be found in 1 Timothy 6:10

Too much depending on the power of money will not help in mission 

When money rules, there will be more evil than good 

Once again, Jesus is very clear that Gods mission is not for money. It is a free gift of God 

Money is a useful guide,but it is not everything, because money can't buy values and virtues 

The moment money enters, all evil things begin, that's why Jesus is cautioning us about the same 

*5) Jesus says take only walking Stick or staff, or rod - why?*

Psalm 23 says 

I) Staff is used to draw the  sheep together into an intimate relationship

II) Secondly, the staff is used to reach out and grab a lamb for close inspection

III) Thirdly, the staff is used in guiding the sheep as they are moving along, because sheep tend to wander off

IV) The staff represents God's Spirit. It indicates gentle guidance

*Stick gives us rest* : it can be used to lean, when one 

 tired 

*Stick is a sign of protection*

*Stick is a sign of Power and courage*

*Stick is stick is uses to give right direction*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*