Daily Reflection – 2/7/19
Sacred Scripture
Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick — no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance. They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. (Mark 6:7-13)
Reflection
Getting absorbed in this journey of the Twelve to go and heal really reminds me of the mission we all share as disciples of Jesus. Just imagine what each of us could do, even today, if we were to see ourselves as “sent” to the people closest to us – our spouse, our children, our parents, our friends, our co-workers, the people in our parish or congregation. Just imagine if each of us could see ourselves as missioned by Jesus to bring peace and healing to others! It’s not impossible to imagine at all, if we reflect on what brings liberation and peace – Jesus’ own healing love. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if each of us were empowered with Jesus’ own “calming effect” on those around us who are “disturbed” by something that seems to have “possessed” them? It will take an inner peace in us, first. It will take an approach and acceptance that is just the way Jesus would approach and accept the person, so we’ll have to decide to forgive and re-connect with our own love for that person, so that Jesus’ love can flow through us. And, it will take deep faith that is rooted in our own experience — that “un-clean spirits” flee from pure love.
How do we come by this “ability” to be instruments of Jesus’ own healing love? Where do we turn to find the inner peace and freedom from the “disturbances” in our own hearts? We turn to the One who loves us before sending us. We turn to the Healer and ask for forgiveness and for his power full love to drive out the demons that can distract us from our mission. Then we just go and bring acceptance, reconciliation, peace and healing, in his name.
Prayer of The Day
Dear Heavenly Father help me to stay focused upon the fact that you are always with me and that I have always been a part of your Holy plan – from the beginning of time. While that fact is overwhelming, I know that it is true and that You alone will provide all that is needed to overcome my inadequacies and failures. Thank you, Jesus, please take my heart and empower me with the courage to use my life however You wish.
Daily Note
What does the personal call of Christ demand of you? What experiences or people in your life have been instrumental in deepening your faith? In what ways can you, as a disciple of Jesus, share in his mission of teaching and healing today? To whom are you being sent, to teach and to heal?
