The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, July 16, 2006
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Amos 7:12-15
Psalm 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14
Ephesians 1:3-14 or 1:3-10
Mark 6:7-13

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today, the readings focus on "mission," on being sent by God. Amos had truly been called and sent by God. His mission was to bring back the Northern Kingdom of Israel to true worship. They had set up a number of worship places in rivalry with the Temple in Jerusalem which David had established. Amos' message to Israel greatly displeased King Jeroboam, and he had him thrown out by the priest, Amaziah, whose own authority was open to question. Amos' mission, like that of many prophets, was rejected. In so doing, the Northern Kingdom rejected God.

In the Gospel, Jesus gives a mission to his disciples, along with explicit instructions that they are to do so at personal inconvenience--they are not to take money, extra clothes, or food with them. They are to concentrate on getting the message out, leaving personal needs to the hospitality of their hearers. Thank God they could take a walking stick (very convenient for fending off snakes or other dangers).

And how about us? We have been given the same mission as the disciples. Do we get too much distracted by worldly cares and personal concerns to really "preach the word, in season and out of season"? Remember that effective preaching can be without words, just by a prayerful presence and caring actions. St. Francis of Assisi told his followers, "Preach always. Use words, if necessary." We pray before and after giving our message. Leave to the Lord how effective its power. The main purpose is to be conscious and convinced that God has given us a mission to be doers of the word, each according to the particular circumstances of our lives.

O Lord, give me the faith and the will to speak your message with courage and conviction. Let not fear, timidity, or pride hinder me.

Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(pwhitmore29 at yahoo dot com)