Gospel Reflection for: July 14, 2024
Daily Gospel Reading: Mark 6:7-13
In this part of Mark’s story, Jesus sends his twelve friends, the apostles, on a special mission to share his message and help people. He gives them some simple but important instructions that we can still learn from today.
Teaming Up for Good:
Jesus sent his apostles out in pairs, not alone. This shows us that working together with others is important. It’s like when you team up with a friend to work on a project or play a game – it’s more fun and you can help each other out.
In our lives, we can team up with friends, family, or our church to do good things in our community. Maybe you and a friend can volunteer at a food bank, or you can work together to clean up a local park. When we work together, we can make a bigger difference.
Keeping It Simple:
Jesus told his apostles not to bring a lot of stuff with them. They could only take a walking stick and the clothes on their backs. It’s like going on a camping trip and packing only the essentials – a tent, a sleeping bag, and some food. This helps us focus on what’s really important and not get distracted by things we don’t need.
In our own lives, we can try to simplify things too. Maybe we can declutter our rooms, spend less time on our phones, or focus on experiences instead of buying things. This can help us feel less stressed and more focused on what matters most.
Finding a Welcoming Place:
Jesus told his apostles to find a place to stay in each town they visited. If they were welcomed, they should stay and share God’s love with the people there. If not, they should move on. It’s like when you’re looking for a new place to live and you find a friendly neighborhood where you feel at home.
We can do the same thing when we share our faith with others. We should focus on connecting with people who are open and receptive to our message. If someone isn’t interested, it’s okay to move on. We shouldn’t force our beliefs on anyone.
Sharing God’s Love:
The apostles’ main job was to share the good news about God’s love and forgiveness. They also helped people by healing them from sickness and other problems. It’s like when you share a funny meme or a positive message online that makes someone smile or feel better.
We can share God’s love in many ways. We can be kind to others, forgive those who hurt us, and help those in need. We can also share our faith through our words and actions, showing others what it means to follow Jesus.
A Prayer for Our Mission:
Dear God,
Please help us to work together with others to make the world a better place. Teach us to trust in you and to focus on what’s really important. Guide us to people who are open to your love, and give us the courage to share your message with everyone we meet.
Amen.
Conclusion: Making a Difference
Jesus’ instructions to his apostles show us that we can make a difference in the world by working together, keeping things simple, focusing on those who are open to our message, and sharing God’s love with everyone we meet. These simple steps can help us live a life of purpose and meaning, just like the apostles did.
May God bless you all, and may His love guide you in every step you take.
Amen.