“He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick.” Mark 6:8
Today, Jesus instructs us to travel in mission lightly, taking just the basics. A pair of sturdy shoes and the conviction of our faith is all the inspiration we need to share the Good News.
Yes, faith. But also confidence! During my mission years in Peru, I worked in formation with a group of seminarians who were devoted to their calling and studied for the priesthood with great fervor. They wanted to get everything they did just right—in other words, perfect! But “perfect” became an impediment. They didn’t trust their own judgment. They worried that the people would not accept them unless everything they said and did was just so. Of course, that’s an impossibly high bar to achieve. Only God is perfect!
It took a bit of encouragement from me, but after a while I finally got them to trust in themselves. Thank God, many found their calling as gifted clergymen and homilists. They became who they were called to be, not by being “perfect” but by delivering the message of Christ’s compassion with confidence. And that’s all that God ever asks.
Friend, none of us wants to make a mistake or appear less than who we are. God understands. If you have any doubt that you are a worthy and capable messenger of the Gospel, just know this: You have been called to mission in baptism and your gifts are uniquely yours. God’s grace will show you how to share those gifts. Whatever path you take, you will be building God’s Kingdom on earth. And that will be perfect enough.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M.
Prayer for 2nd Sunday
Help me, Lord Jesus
to walk in Your ways
seek Your truth and know
Your justice that I might
enjoy Your heavenly peace
here and now.
Teach me, Lord Jesus
to know Your commands
and love as You love, and pray
as You pray to our Father in heaven
that I might look at all people
as my brothers and sisters and
overflow with forgiveness and mercy
for everyone I meet.
You Who alone are perfect and good,
grant me the grace to overcome pride
that I might never be afraid to fail or fall
but seek always to know, love, and serve
You all the days of my life.
Amen.
Prayer by Maryknoll Missioner, Father Joseph Veneroso
