Take nothing for the journey but a walking stick

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Fifteenth Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mk 6:7-13*

*First Reading : Am 7:12-15*

*SECOND READING - Eph 1:3-14 or Eph 1:3-10*

*Take nothing for the journey but a walking stick*

*1) Only Walking Stick or Staff*

The Gospel of the day has the incident of sending the Apostles for the ministry

As Jesus sends them, Jesus tells them to take only walking stick and nothing else 

Why Jesus is telling them to take only the stick? What is the significance of the stick in the context of proclaiming the Gospel? 

*2) Ancient Cultures and the Staff*

It meant authority. It was a sign of authority 

It was a sign of Worth and right of Government

For the judge it was a sign of his authority to decide over life and death 

It was used by the magicians all over the world to work wonders

*3) Staff in the Old Testament*

In the book of Genesis and Numbers, it was a sign of the Messiah who would come from Israel , who shall crush the enemies 

In Psalms it is referred as *rod of iron* which symbolises the strength of the Staff 

Psalms also refer to it as rod of righteousness, which is necessary for just rule 

In the book of Exodus, in the context of passover meal, the staff held in the hand symbolises the readiness for setting out 

It was a sign of trusting God absolutely, without knowing the end results.  

*4) Moses and the Staff*

The staff of Moses played an important role in the salvation history

*Miracles* It worked as a sign of miracles in the hand of Moses. Moses performed lots of miracles in the presence of Pharaoh, which ultimately  made him to free the people of Israel

*Red/Reed Sea* Moses used the staff to divide the sea, which created a way to pass the people of Israel to the other side 

*Water from Rock* At Refidim when Israelites reached they had no water. At the command of the Lord, Moses strikes the rock and water came out, which satisfied the thirst of the people 

*5) Jesus on Staff*

When Jesus tells them to take the staff, it meant readiness for pilgrimage of faith 

It also a symbol of authority, support and guidance 

It can also be a symbol of courage 

Jesus the Good Shepherd has the staff, which is the symbol of authority and service

*6) Staff, Rod or Stick in our Life*

Today Jesus gives us the variety of sticks to continue our mission 

The stick of service

The stick of forgiveness

The stick of Love 

The stick of humility

The stick of prayer

The stick of sacrifice

The stick of courage

The stuck of faithfulness

The stick of generosity

The stick of truthfulness

The stick of holy Scriptures

Am I ready to take these sticks in my life to continue the mission of the Lord?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*