Send them out in pairs

“Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs, giving them authority over unclean spirits.” (Mark 6:7)

Reflection: Jesus used a tactic in his mission whereby each of the Apostles traveled with another on mission.  This likely created a small community for support, shared prayer, and practical assistance.  Where one man had this gift, perhaps Jesus paired him with another Apostle who brought a complimentary gift.  Stop and think: who traveled with Judas?  Who got to walk with Peter?  Which Apostle would you choose to go with on mission?

In the course of your life, you probably were paired with another person (by chance or on purpose) and found the work you were doing a lot easier.  Maybe a roommate in college, a co-worker, a close confidant.  Who was that person for you?  What did you learn from her or him?  Be grateful for those pairings in your life, and remain open to that apostolic mission today whereby you find authority in shared faith for the building of the Kingdom.

(PS:  As a new teacher, I found a close friend in Patrick Meade.  We both taught the same students at a Catholic elementary school.  I was language arts; he was social studies.  Indeed we were “paired” for three years as we lived out that mission.  More on this pairing elsewhere.)

What kind of wisdom

 “They said, "Where did this man get all this?  What kind of wisdom has been given him?  What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands!”  (Mark 6: 3)

Reflection:  How did the listeners in the synagogue know that Jesus brought a new kind of wisdom?  What did he say and do that seemed so unusual?  Likely his wisdom came from a fresh place of prayer and confidence (faith) all his own.  This new way of seeing the world and God’s role in our lives was “given him” as a gift.  All Jesus had to do was listen carefully and place faith in the Source – his Father.

What would be your way of expressing wisdom from your own faith and prayer?  Long ago, when I was in high school, an art teacher asked me how I saw a certain painting.  I was amazed that she would even presume I had an opinion.  It took a lot for me to even examine my own feelings and interpretations, but for sure they were mine and I had faith that she valued that response.

You too are called to look at life and express the wisdom of God found in your own prayer and actions.  Perhaps today you too will amaze people with “mighty deeds” that come from deep faith and divine insight.  Even though you are “the carpenter in your own house,” you still have gifts given by the Father and a voice to proclaim wisdom each day.  Step up.