the ecology of mission
"They expelled many demons, anointed the sick with oil, and worked many cures." —Mark 6:13
Today we don't seem to be getting the same results as did Jesus' first followers. Demons aren't always expelled, and cures don't seem as numerous as in Jesus' time. Maybe our results are different because we're not following Jesus' instructions.
- Are we going out to tell the good news of the kingdom?
- Are we going out "two by two"? (Mk 6:7)
- Have we taken "nothing on the journey"? (Mk 6:8) Do we "have neither silver nor gold"? (Acts 3:6)
- Are we "preaching the need of repentance"? (Mk 6:12)
Signs and wonders accompany the proclamation of God's word when we do it the way the Lord has commanded (Mk 16:17).
Healings don't exist in a vacuum, but rather are part of the work of evangelization. Evangelizing is intimately related to Christian community, a simple life-style, and repentance. There's a spiritual ecology to the mission the Lord has given us. We must respect all the elements of this ecology to have the spiritual power promised us in God's word.
Prayer: Jesus, may I do works greater by far than the ones You did (Jn 14:12).
Promise: "You have drawn near to Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to myriads of angels in festal gathering, to the assembly of the first-born enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all." —Heb 12:22-23
Praise: When going out "two by two," Mary and Steve notice God honors the prayers they offer for the healing of others.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Mission Impossible, or our tape on audio AV 46-1 or video V-46.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 3, 2006 & September 18, 2006
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