Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 1, 2024

Date:   Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Mark 6:7-13

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. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today from Mark recounts Jesus’ sending forth the disciple in pairs to preach repentance and to cure the sick and possessed. His instructions remind us that companions on the journey are good and that we are to rely on faith rather than material wealth.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

As a disciple, have I accepted the call to share the good news with others? With whom do I share?  

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Savior, You commanded that your believers take the news of salvation from the Father, through You, in the Spirit to the world so that all might come to know You and love You. Send your Spirit to strengthen our resolve to be people of faith, sharers of the Good News in word and in deed wherever we are. Grant that we may encounters others as our sisters and brothers and care for them as You commanded us – to love one another as You have loved us. Amen.