All of us helping all of us- Thursday, 4th week in ordinary time- Mark 6: 7-13
Most people would simply roll over and give up if they were rejected by their very own family in the pursuit of their mission or dreams. Jesus does not ‘give up’ because He was rejected by His townsfolk; He simply ‘gives in’ to the mission of His Father. Having been rejected Himself, He empowers the twelve, giving them authority over unclean spirits.
Yet as we will see later, these very twelve ‘empowered’ apostles will begin to doubt the mission of Jesus, seeking for themselves personal glory and power. They, who had authority, seek power and glory. But for now the Gospel focuses on the mission that Jesus shares with them.
This makes one sit up and take notice of the fact that Jesus is no solo artist. He is after all God and He most certainly did not need help; yet that’s exactly what He did. His plan for salvation included all of us helping all of us and He began with twelve.
If Jesus ever started a company of his own, He would have hit losses in the first month simply because by human standards these twelve could only be categorized as losers. Their actions ranged from betrayal, denial, abandonment, fits of anger, doubt, unrestrained opinions and what have you. Yet to these are given authority and mission.
Fr. Warner D'Souza is a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Bombay. He has served in the parishes of St Michael's (Mahim), St Paul's (Dadar East), Our Lady of Mount Carmel, (Bandra), a ten year stint as priest-in-charge at St Jude Church (Malad East) and at present is the Parish Priest at St Stephen's Church (Cumballa Hill). He is also the Director of the Archdiocesan Heritage Museum and is the co-ordinator of the Committee for the Promotion and Preservation of the Artistic and Historic Patrimony of the Church.
Wowwww! Simply amazing. First the tagline (so catchy), next the pericope u chose to reflect upon (almost felt as if Jesus is a troop leader instructing, almost commanding, the twelve and making them ready for the battlefiled) and then the reflection.
Truly thr r so many take aways in today’s reflection Fr.. Was such a blessing to read it. Thankyou for sharing this…
Good reflection Father.”God never looks for perfect people but imperfect people who are open to His grace.”
Beautiful reflection on today’s reading father.
“Jesus does not ‘give up’ because He was rejected by His townsfolk; He simply ‘gives in’ to the mission of His Father.”
Starting my day with these reflections, keeps me energized.
Thanks you father for sharing.
Very good reflection Fr. Warner.
I try to share your words with those I know. Two friends also like reading you, and they have said so. Others are indifferent.
“God never looks for perfect people but imperfect people who are open to his grace” …
Though its a repeat reading, so much more to take from the reflection!!
Got to beware ! “Doesn’t need Perfect people but Imperfect people open to His Grace” Might just leave a tiny window open for some of us to relax and take our imperfections too lightly ! Should rather be “Open to His Grace to become Perfect even as our Heavenly Father is Perfect “
Beautiful reflection!! “His plan for salvation included all of us helping all of us and He began with twelve.”
Thank you father for reminding that no matter how imperfect we are help others and strive to get better day by day.
Beautiful reflection. Like Jesus we have also been let down by our own people. And like Jesus I am going to help others. Felt so much better after reading this coz we are reminded about what Jesus went through.
God never looks for perfect people but imperfect people who are open to His grace. Very true it’s because of His grace we are able to walk thru this earthly journey. Yes I too grumble & doubt many a times, especially when I am struggling & it’s so hard & when I accomplish the task, all the complaining I did I become so aware that He waited, listened, walked & guided me so patiently & lovingly.
Thank you Fr. Warner God bless.