Disciples–Witnesses Without Security
Introduction
The core of today’s first reading is an interpolation by a later biblical author on fidelity: the king embodies the people and faithfulness to the covenant. This is presented as David’s testament given on his deathbed to his successor, his son, Solomon.
Jesus wants his disciples to be without security and power, so as to be free to go to people in their own life situation and to be free to preach and witness to the Gospel without ambiguity. Would that, the Church today could give such an unambiguous witness.
1 Reading: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12
When the time of David’s death drew near, he gave these instructions to his son Solomon: “I am going the way of all flesh. Take courage and be a man. Keep the mandate of the LORD, your God, following his ways and observing his statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees as they are written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed in whatever you do, wherever you turn, and the LORD may fulfil the promise he made on my behalf when he said, ‘If your sons so conduct themselves that they remain faithful to me with their whole heart and with their whole soul, you shall always have someone of your line on the throne of Israel.'” David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David. The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years: he reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. Solomon was seated on the throne of his father David, with his sovereignty firmly established.
Responsorial Psalm: 1 Chronicles 29:10, 11ab, 11d-12a, 12bcd
R. (12b) Lord, you are exalted over all.
“Blessed may you be, O LORD,
God of Israel our father,
from eternity to eternity.” R.
“Yours, O LORD, are grandeur and power,
majesty, splendour, and glory.” R.
“LORD, you are exalted over all.
Yours, O LORD, is the sovereignty;
you are exalted as head over all.
Riches and honour are from you.” R.
“In your hand are power and might;
it is yours to give grandeur and strength to all.” R.
Alleluia Mark 1:15
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe in the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Mark 6:7-13
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 from there. 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.
Commentary
Solomon had much to live for—perhaps too much. If only he had followed his father’s final injunction. For all his proverbial wisdom, the fact is that he did not heed his father’s counsel. It is true that Israel held together for as long as he lived. But preexistent seeds of separation were actualized at the time of his death, when the kingdom split politically into northern and southern parts. If he had kept the mandate of the Lord in avoiding religious syncretism and idolatry, things might have turned out differently. In many ways Solomon proved to be a disappointment. Many families are today torn into parts because children, along the line, brushoff their father’s instructions, especially, when it has to do with, not just the Will, but strictly keeping his “death-bed-wishes”.
On their first missionary journey, the disciples moved with agility and clear direction, as teachers and healers. If people rejected them, they were to leave the town and shake its dust from their feet. The message was clear, but people had the freedom to opt in or out. We are all asked to respond to God, but he will never tamper with our freedom. Love cannot be forced; if it were, it would lose the name of love.
The disciples were told to travel light. In one way or another, every religious order in the history of the church has upheld this ideal. Members are taught to avoid the accumulation of goods. The reason is clear; they are an impediment to us on our journey. We eventually lose the agility and freedom to move as we should. But the counsel applies to all Christians. We are not to become entrenched in this world, which is passing away. We should regularly assess our needs and be attentive to the danger of going overboard.
Blessing
Jesus sent out his apostles to bring his message to people. They should not wear useless baggage and depend on the people’s hospitality. In freedom from earthly trappings, they are sent to heal and save. May your lives speak the message of the Gospel, with the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Ss Paul Miki and Companions—Pray for Us!