Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr
Today’s gospel reading from Mark (6: 7-13) speaks to me not only of the importance of depending on God and our relationships with each other, but also of the importance of us welcoming others who may be bringing God’s word or healing into our midst, even in their need. As the disciples are sent out in pairs carrying only their walking sticks (no money or food or even an extra tunic) so as to rely on the hospitality of others, they are instructed to shake the dust from their sandals in testimony against whatever place or home does not welcome or listen to them. Rather than reflecting on the disciples’ role in this gospel (although an important one), what if we put ourselves in the place of the ones welcoming or not welcoming the bearers of Jesus’ message and healing?
I have noticed that if I’m not careful, I can let my spiritual prejudices prevent me from being open and listening to those who may have a message of God’s word or healing to offer. It brings to mind the question of whether I am inadvertently rejecting God’s presence through another person simply because I have judged them to be a different “kind” of Christian or Catholic than I am, with their spirituality not meeting with my preferences, standards, or comfort zone. Or maybe I am in a place in my spiritual life (a rather narcissistic place) where I believe I have it all pretty well figured out and have the answers I need, and I don’t even realize that I’m closing the door on someone who has been led to bring me the Word in some new way, some way that I may not have seen or been willing to see.
Isn’t it true that we can become exclusive rather than inclusive on our spiritual journey and miss out on so much richness that sharing the journey with others can offer? I believe it is rather significant that Jesus sent the disciples out “two by two,” not one by one, and to rely on the hospitality of others to meet their basic needs of food and shelter. We are a communal people, and part of our responsibility as disciples of Jesus is to be open to others bearing Jesus’ message, love, and sometimes healing in our lives.
In the somewhat confusing, although beautifully written, language of today’s first reading (Hebrews 12: 18-19, 21-24), the author is contrasting the covenant of Moses with the covenant of Christ. Scripture scholars tell us that in this passage the Mosaic covenant is shown to have originated in fear of God and threats of divine punishment; while with the covenant in Christ Jesus, we are given direct access to God. Christ’s covenant makes us children of God and members of the Christian community. Again, we see the relational aspects of being followers of Jesus. We need each other in order to grow and flourish on our Christian journey.
And so I ask, is there a messenger that I am rejecting because I am afraid of or uncomfortable with the truth? Is my pride getting in the way? Or am I keeping myself too busy and preoccupied to stop and listen, to notice and allow another to share or even minister to me?
Today, let us pray for an openness to welcome God’s messengers, especially the ones we find least likely to have something to offer, and see what new thing God can work in our lives and in the lives of those we open our hearts to.
- Eileen Miller