Gospel: February 1, 2024
(Thursday)
4th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 4 / (Green)
Responsorial Psalm: 1 Chr 29: 10, 11ab, 11d-12a, 12bcd
Lord, you are exalted over all.
1st Reading: 1 Kings 2: 1-4, 10-12Gospel: Mark 6: 7-13He 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.
Reflection:“Jesus shares his authority.”
We begin our faith journey in this month of February by reflecting on the way Jesus shares his authority with us as his followers. Today’s Gospel narrates Jesus choosing 12 from among his disciples. Jesus gave them authority over evil spirits as he sent them in pairs. He also cautioned them of the fact that, in their mission of proclaiming God’s reign, they would also experience rejection and persecution. This implies that the authority which Jesus shares with his followers does not right away eradicate with totality the evil in the world. However, upon sharing his authority with his disciples, Jesus himself did not leave evil unbounded. Hence, Jesus’ followers are sent to participate in the ongoing eradication of the evil in the world. If we are rejected because we are Jesus’ disciples, we are not to retaliate. We are rather challenged to let our nonviolent stance be the witness against the violence we are called to denounce. Jesus shares his authority with us that we may be able to denounce violence without becoming violent ourselves.
