Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2 x 2 = AMAZING MINISTRY

[JESUS] BEGAN TO SEND THEM OUT TWO BY TWO

Gracious and loving God, as we reflect on the Gospel today, we are reminded of the power of community in spreading your message of love and compassion. Guide us, Lord, as we go on our own journeys with each other. Grant us the strength and courage to remain faithful, trusting in your guidance along the way even when it seems we have nothing. Help us to recognize the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those around us.

What’s something that’s easy to do with others, but would be tougher to do alone?

The Johnson family with friends

Not just two by two, but as a family, the Johnson’s embarked on a transformative journey with the Maryknoll Lay Missioners, driven by their passion for service. Led by parents Anna and Kyle, they sought to expose their children, Josephine 13, Collin 11, and Charlotte 9, to life beyond their comfort zone. They were drawn to Maryknoll’s family-inclusive program and spent time volunteering in Mexico before committing to a long-term assignment in Tanzania. Now, after 18 months, Anna provides healthcare to children living with disabilities at Huruma School, in Mwanza. There she witnessed the gift of family amidst adversity; a young girl carrying her infant sister on her back, an elderly grandmother taking in her two orphaned grandchildren, an aunt adopting her young niece with cerebral palsy. She emphasizes the importance of empowering parents and caregivers for sustainable change. Meanwhile, Kyle provides entrepreneurial training to vulnerable populations as well as leadership and management training to two rural Catholic hospitals. As missionary disciples, the Johnsons walk together in mission and bear fruit in Tanzania. (Maryknoll Magazine, March 2023)

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick— no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. Mk 6:7-13

Jesus was not a lone ranger; he gathered with his friends throughout his life of ministry. The Gospel message was not meant to be a solitary undertaking. Jesus embodies this from the beginning in the holy family, then in the community of the twelve, and finally in the early Christian communities after the resurrection. They followed that pattern by gathering in fellowship to live out the Gospel. In this reading, Jesus instructs the disciples to take nothing for the journey. But even so, they must not go alone. As missionary disciples, we are also called to walk together in mission and bear fruit.

How has partnering with someone enhanced your ministry or living out the Gospel, rather than doing it alone?

Post in your social media (or bring to in-person community) this question: “How do you or a person you consider to be a leader speak truth to power in your community?” Based on the responses you get, consider starting a social media group (or in-person group) to see how you can establish common coalitions around similar issues.

Lord God, thank you for the gift of community. Give us courage to go beyond ourselves to join with others. Grant us the strength to maintain a spirit of collaboration, working together to bring about positive change in our communities. Empower us to embody your love and compassion in all that we do.