Philip Raj A. csc –
Readings: Am 7:12-15; Eph 1:3-14; Mk 6:7-13
We are celebrating the fifteenth Sunday of ordinary time. The readings of the liturgy make us to reflect on the theme “set apart for the mission of Christ”. In the first reading we see that the prophet, Amos was chosen by God to prophesy to the people of Israel. Despite facing hardships and adversities, God’s mighty hand was with him throughout.
In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us that we were chosen by the Lord before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless.
Although we may have strayed from the Lord and corrupted our hearts, turning to the Lord brings us newness of life. In the gospel reading, Jesus commissions his disciples for the mission but instructs them to carry nothing with them.
Though initially challenging for his disciples to understand, they later realize it was to depend solely on God to fulfil his mission. The disciples were sent out two by two, symbolizing that we are called not to work individually for our own recognition but for the greater glory of God. In Proverbs 3:6, we read, “God directs your steps.”
Indeed, God is always with us to guide and direct us. Each of us is set apart by God for his mission on earth, whether the tasks are large or small. We are invited to be faithful and give our best in all that we do, echoing the conviction of St. Paul in his letter to the Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”