Thursday, February 5, 2004
4th Week in Ordinary Time

1st Reading: 1K 2:1-4, 10-12
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

WHAT'S an extra tunic for? It is for tomorrow. What's a bag for? It is for carrying things that I will need tomorrow. What's money for? It is for tomorrow's food and shelter.

But what if we were so intensely aware of the present moment that past and future paled by comparison? What we think of as the past is a memory trace, and the future isn't even that (it's a projection of a memory trace). These, like the moon, have no light of their own; any light they have is a reflection of the light and power of the Present. "Now is the time," Jesus told them.

We think of time as originating in the unimaginable past and flowing forward into the present and beyond us into the future. It occurred to me once that it would be better to reverse that image. Time originates now, it wells up into existence in the present moment and flows away into the past. Time flows backwards! This moment is the Big Bang! Take nothing for the journey-because you have already arrived!

TOP