HOMILY OF THURSDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
Hebrew 12:18-19.21-24, Mark 6:7-13
THEME: TRUST IN THE LORD’S PROVISION
Christianity is a call to share in the life of Jesus Christ, the Lord. The Lord Jesus cannot deny himself. All he wants is our self-donation which must be done in trust. When he sends us on an errand, he gives us the graces to accomplish our tasks. Our success is hinged on our commission and not on our possessions or on our acquired skills. When he sent out the twelve in two, he simply gave them authority and gave them the simple instructions to follow. They must be simple and must not seek the marvels beyond them.
Many a time, we are concerned about how we will survive on our mission. We even jettisoned the core of the gospel message, so as to speak in a manner by which we can get enough food on our table. We may be tempted to water down the gospel message so as not to offend those who we think their hospitality can sustain us in our ministry.
However, the Lord charged the disciples to go out with total surrender to him and total trust in his divine provision. “He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics” Mark 6:8-9
The one who sends us out is a great provider. He will surely provide for us as long as we do not mistake his identity in our self-seeking games.
As Christians or heralds of the gospel, we have no mission or ministry of our own. Jesus owns his work, and he provides for the success of his mission according to his own merciful designs. Moreover, our success in the mission of Christ is built on our adherence to his directives. It requires simplicity, trust, and readiness to give out ourselves in utter charity to others.
May the Lord accept our service as fragrant offering for the salvation of the world. May no personal desire block our vision in the work of the Lord. Amen.
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