Mark 6:6b-30
Dear RTB’ers,
We never know the exact time frame for Jesus in Mark’s gospel, or in any of the other gospels, for that matter. But it was only a few days ago (Mark 3:13, ff.) that we saw His twelve apostles named. So, one wonders how long they had been with Jesus before He sent them out (in today’s reading). What I’m getting at here is a reflection back to the “Our Witness” chapter in our Lenten book, The Narrow Path, where the author makes a major point of Jesus’ words, “You are…” Here’s the text:
His disciples have just arrived. They are at the very start of their journey, but He doesn’t say, “You will be salt and light when I’m done with you.” He doesn’t say, “You have salt and light.” He doesn’t say, “You must be salt and light.” He says, “You are salt and light.”
The Narrow Path: How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Souls, by Rich Villodas — p. 52
So, as Jesus is sending out the twelve, I’m wondering at how long they have been with Him, how much “training” He has given them. Mark doesn’t tell us. All that we read is that He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. (v. 7) He also gave them further charges as to their trust in His Father in providing for them on their journey.
So, how much training have we received? Or, how much more do we need? Are we ready to be sent out?
Blessings!
See also: