Walking sticks and sandals for today

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to consider the walking sticks and sandals for disciples of Jesus today.

https://www.mec.ca/en/article/backpacking-europe-checklist-beyond-the-basics

The First Book of Kings shares with us some advice given by the aging David to his son Solomon about continuing to walk in the ways of the Lord.

I am about to go the way of all the earth

The instructions of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark to his disciples express how to exercise Jesus authority among the people of His time.

* [6:7–13] The preparation for the mission of the Twelve is seen in the call (1) of the first disciples to be fishers of men (Mk 1:16–20), (2) then of the Twelve set apart to be with Jesus and to receive authority to preach and expel demons (Mk 3:13–19). Now they are given the specific mission to exercise that authority in word and power as representatives of Jesus during the time of their formation.

Vivian Amu reminds us of our connection in the Body of Christ when we go out to bring Good News.

Yes, we are each a child of God, and when we walk into a room, our grace can bring a smile to the face of a hurting soul.  Our goodness can bring peace to a home filled with negativity.  Our light can drive out the darkness.  These are not just gifts for the twelve disciples; this is our gift as well; we are being missioned out into the world to do good work – to serve for the greater glory of God – and we will not be alone.  Just as the disciples were sent out two by two, we are sent to serve together.  Being successful in ministry is kind of a team effort.  We now live in a world that glorifies the idea of working on our own, or doing things our own way, or being independent.  These are not bad ideas in and of themselves, but we are somewhat created to work together, not alone.  We are members of the body of Christ, we function splendidly together.  When you feel disconnected, remember, you are not traveling through this life alone.  Yes, travel light, but let’s travel together.

Don Schwager explains that Jesus wedded power and authority with self-sacrificing love and humility. He presents questions about our poverty of spirit and ability to “travel light”.

Why does Jesus tell the apostles to "travel light" with little or no provision? "Poverty of spirit" frees us from greed and preoccupation with our possessions and makes ample room for God's provision. The Lord wants his disciples to be dependent on him and not on themselves. He wills to work in and through each of us for his glory. Are you ready to use the spiritual authority and power which God wishes you to exercise on his behalf? The Lord entrusts us with his gifts and talents. Are you eager to place yourself at his service, to do whatever he bids you, and to witness his truth and saving power to whomever he sends you?

Friar Jude Winkler provides some background on the flawed character of David who gives advice like a mafia don and one who the Lord has called. He blends trust in Providence with our necessary prudence and advice not to worry about material possessions lest they possess us.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, quotes Eknath Easwaran who writes about tears as a fact of life, that have several lessons to teach us. Rohr notes that Saint Ephrem went so far as to say until you have cried you don’t know God.

Tears seem ridiculous in a culture like ours which is so focused on diversions and entertainment, and are especially a stumbling block to men. Crying will make us look vulnerable. So many men hold back tears. Is it no wonder men don’t live as long as women, on average? We must teach all young people how to cry. Now, in my later years, I finally understand why Saints Francis and Clare cried so much, and why the saints spoke of “the gift of tears.

Our life experience in the Body of Christ forms our trust in Providence. This experience is built from joy and tears, both of which connect us to all people.

References

(2016, October 25). Backpacking Europe Checklist: Beyond the Basics | MEC Blog. Retrieved February 1, 2018, from https://www.mec.ca/en/article/backpacking-europe-checklist-beyond-the-basics

(n.d.). 1 Kings, chapter 2 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved February 1, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/bible/1kings/2:1  

(n.d.). Mark, chapter 6 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved February 1, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/mark/6

(n.d.). Online Ministries Home Page - Creighton University. Retrieved February 1, 2018, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/preparing.html

(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 1, 2018, from http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/

(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 1, 2018, from https://cac.org/richard-rohr/daily-meditations/daily-meditations-archive/