Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“So, they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons.” (Mk. 6:7-13)
I often think I could accomplish more if my worries and fears did not get in the way. I can think of many tasks that I have not done because I was afraid. Afraid of the worst possible outcome. Afraid of being told no. Afraid of pain. Afraid of failure. If I cannot see a favorable outcome or feel prepared, I rather do nothing at all. It might not get me what I want, but it is safe. Being safe is comfortable. It is predictable. It is controllable. But is this a way to live life? How many experiences in life are we missing out on in life if we are afraid to act outside of our comfort zones?
This fear is a problem in ministry as well. We have comfort zones we are afraid to break out of. It makes reaching and caring for the most vulnerable so difficult. The poor, marginalized groups and young people are subsets of our communities that need our attention, love and support but struggle to reach. People have often made different excuses and reasons for why we are never fully able to reach the margins: lack of preparation or lack of acceptance (by the group), among others. And even when we try, we stick to the safety of what has been done instead of what can be done. To do the work, it requires us to get out and be bold. So, what can help us change?
This Sunday’s gospel reading reflects on what we must do as people of God and what we can accomplish. In Mark 6: 7-13, Jesus commissions his disciples to go out in the world with great authority and gives instructions on what to do. To follow them, it requires a great faith and boldness needed to follow through with his orders. In last week’s gospel reading, Mk 6:1-6 is a good example in that there is risk in what Jesus does in his public ministry. It sometimes meant him being rejected, falsely accused, questioned, and ultimately, crucified. But because he loved us so much, we were able to benefit so much from his boldness and sacrifice. As a disciple of Christ, those risks also exist, but so does a love for our brothers and sisters and a need to reach those who are truly in need.
To help with that, here are a few things we can glean from this reading.
1) We are never alone: Jesus sends out his disciples two by two and so we should never feel like we are going out in the world by ourselves. Let us lean on our friends, loved ones, and community to help carry us through. There is strength in numbers.
2) Carry the essentials: Jesus instructs his disciples to take nothing but a walking stick. We do not have to be overly prepared for the journey. Sometimes, it is the simplest things that are necessary for the journey, and God will help take care of the rest.
3) Dust the dirt off: Failure is a part of life. Not everyone will accept what you have to say or do for them. We all must learn to leave our struggles behind and move on. You can always come back again.
4) You have the authority: God has blessed you with the ability to do remarkable things. With faith, love, and commitment, we can accomplish so much.
It is tough to come out of our comfort zones and be bold. It can be scary. But there is so much more we can do if we let go of our insecurities, anxieties, and worries. I will pledge to step out and be bold. Will you take the pledge with me? God needs all of us to go out and do His work.
Author: Rudy Dehaney is a Baltimore native, born to Jamaican parents, and a graduate of Morgan State University. He serves as the Blessed Sacrament and St. Matthew parishes' minister and is a part-time campus minister at Notre Dame Maryland University.
In addition to professional work, Rudy serves as the chairperson for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry anti-racism project team, the co-chair for the USCCB Journeying Together Post Event committee with young adults, and various other regional and national committees.
Thank you for reading and praying through this blog. If you enjoyed the content of this presentation, please press the like button and share it with a friend. Evang./Prof. Howard
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