1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12
1 Chronicles 29:10-12
Mark 6:7-13
THE COMMISSION
The gospel of today highlights Jesus’ call for his followers to partner with him, empowering them to stand against evil. This serves as a reminder of our call to discipleship, encouraging confidence that Jesus has overcome evil and is with us. The commission advises taking only essentials and staying humble, though modern mission involves different methods, focusing on not being distracted by material things or ego. Jesus’ instruction is to focus on evangelization—preaching, healing, and driving out evil—without concern for rejection. ‘Shaking the dust off your feet’ symbolizes moving on from rejection without guilt, a reassurance for faith leaders that rejection isn’t personal.
Agatha was certainly one who looked into the eyes of Jesus and feasted on his words. From her very early years, Agatha dedicated her life to God as a consecrated virgin. She desired to give herself totally to Jesus and the Church in a life of prayer and service. A proposals escalated to harassment, arrests, imprisonment, and hideous torture to death. Through all of it, Agatha continued her simple prayer of single-heartedness to Christ.
The message of Christ has its own integrity; our role is to faithfully proclaim it without fear of being persecuted especially when others aren’t receptive. It is the Lord’s commission He is watching.
Fr Joseph Osho