Mark 6:7
"Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two"
Readings for Sunday: Amos, Ephesians, Mark
Reflection:
In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus sends out the Twelve, instructing them to rely on God’s providence as they engage in discipleship and evangelism. This gospel reflects the broader theme of God’s eternal plan and our role in it. While the Catholic Church is known for its doctrines, people often don’t realize that the doctrines provide boundaries to a field of faith, where a believer has room to run. For instance, the Assumption of Mary allows interpretations of whether she was taken up body and soul before or after death, symbolizing trust in God’s plan beyond our understanding. Yet the point is still the same: Christ’s victory over the power of sin and death that he extends to his Immaculately conceived human mother.
Similarly, creation can be viewed through various lenses—literal or evolutionary—emphasizing God as the ultimate source of life. The Incarnation raises the question of whether Jesus came solely in response to sin or was always intended to unite us to God, while at the same time saving us from sin. This aligns with the gospel’s message of trust and mission. God’s plan for us, conceived before time, is for us to be holy and united with Him through Jesus, destined for eternal adoption and to give glory to God. As Jesus sent out His disciples, we too are called to trust in God’s providence and actively participate in His eternal plan through discipleship and evangelism, spreading His love and grace.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can you actively participate in God’s plan through discipleship and evangelism, as exemplified by Jesus sending out the Twelve in Mark 6:7-13?
- Reflecting on the idea that Jesus’ coming was part of God’s plan from the beginning, how does this influence your perception of your own role in God’s mission to spread love and grace?