Mark 6:7-8,12-13 He 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. So they went off and preached repentance.They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
The apostles left everything to obey Jesus’ instructions. Anything they tho
ught they might need to thrive on their trek, they left it behind. They took nothing for the journey. Surely, that made them nervous. But note: Jesus didn’t send them out solo. He paired them up to send them out two by two. Together in community, they willingly detached from their insecurities, and trusted God to provide. And in doing so, they successfully carried out His mission.
Living stewardship is not meant to be done in isolation. God knows our need for each other, our need to be in community. As community – our family, our brothers and sisters in Christ, the Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes as examples – together, when we put God first, when we obey Him and trust Him, we, too, successfully carry out His mission. We may have some anxious moments. But when we put others’ needs ahead of our own desires for more money and possessions, we are more effective in changing our environments for the good of His kingdom. And we feel a sense of satisfaction for doing what God asks us to do.
Let’s join together in fraternity. Together, let’s put God first. Let’s detach from the things we think we need to be comfortable and successful, trust that God will provide our needs, and obey His commands to give and serve. Like the apostles were sent two by two, let’s join together to carry out the mission of preaching repentance for our consumerism, and drive out the demons of materialism. Doing this will bring you the peace, joy, contentment, and happiness you truly desire.
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