take nothing

Thursday, February 03, 2011
St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr (Optional Memorial)

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24 Psalm 48:2-4, 9-11 Mark 6:7-13

Mark 6:8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts;

I do not see Jesus telling his apostles to start up some community or government program here. In fact I don't see him relying on earthly means at all. It seems that when Jesus did something, or when he had the Apostles do something, it was always a miracle. I don't see this band of men as being a charity that we write checks out to. Oh, sure they had money to live on, and I would assume that from time to time that money could be used for the poor, but the one reference we have to that is that of Judas, and he was a thief.

Maybe Jesus is trying to make a point here. Not hat we only rely on miracles, but when we do good it needs to come through us from God. We are not to demand or expect that others give to our cause. Unfortunately, at least on the surface , that looks like what we do a lot. We always want others to fund our mission, to support our cause. I think Jesus would say just do it, a miracle that is. Have faith.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to have faith and not to rely on others to fund me or help me, but that I may look to you for my help.

Amen