Sunday, July 13, 2003
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

1st Reading: Am 7:12-15

Amaziah then said to Amos, "Off with you, seer, go back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there by prophesying. But never again prophesy at Bethel for it is a king's sanctuary and a national shrine."

Amos replied to Amaziah, "I am not a prophet or one of the fellow-prophets. I am a breeder of sheep and a dresser of sycamore trees. But Yahweh took me from shepherding the flock and said to me: Go, prophesy to my people Israel."

2nd Reading: Eph 1:3-10

Blessed be God, the Father of Christ Jesus our Lord,
who in Christ has blessed us from heaven with every spiritual blessing.
God chose us in Christ before the creation of the world
to be holy and without sin in his presence.

From eternity he destined us in love
to be his sons and daughters through Christ Jesus,
thus fulfilling his free and generous will.

This goal suited him:
that his loving-kindness which he granted us in his Beloved
might finally receive all glory and praise.
For in Christ we obtain freedom, sealed by his blood,
and have the forgiveness of sins.

In this appears the greatness of his grace,
which he lavished on us.
In all wisdom and understanding,
God has made known to us his mysterious design,
in accordance with his loving-kindness in Christ.
In him and under him God wanted to unite,
when the fullness of time had come,
everything in heaven and on earth.

By a decree of Him who disposes all things
according to his own plan and decision
we, the Jews, have been chosen and called
and we were awaiting the Messiah,
for the praise of his glory.
You, on hearing the word of truth,
the Gospel that saves you,
have believed in him.

And, as promised, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit,
the first pledge of what we shall receive,
on the way to our deliverance as a people of God,
for the praise of his glory.

Gospel: Mk 6:7-13

Jesus called the Twelve to him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over evil spirits. And he ordered them to take nothing for the journey except a staff; no food, no bag, no money in their belts. They were to wear sandals and were not to take an extra tunic.

And he added, "In whatever house you are welcomed, stay there until you leave the place. If any place doesn't receive you and the people refuse to listen to you, leave after shaking the dust off your feet. It will be a testimony against them."

So they set out to proclaim that this was the time to repent. They drove out many demons and healed many sick people by anointing them.

Commentary

Those who truly say and do what Jesus said and did, true representatives of his, possess only what is necessary to accomplish their mission. Since the Apostles were traveling preachers, they only needed a walking stick and a pair of sandals! For the rest, they were to depend on people's hospitality, trusting always in God's care. How to live this instruction of Jesus is a question to be asked and answered not only by ordained ministers and persons with religious vows. It must be reflected upon by every Christian. After all, baptism makes us all missionaries. Without imperiling the duties our status in life, each one must make a sincere decision about possessions. They can advance or hamper our Christian life and mission.

Read also: • Gospel Reflections by Fr. Gerry Pierse, C.Ss.R.
          • Biblical Commentaries fro Diario Biblico

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