Mission

All of us taking part in one mission

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. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you,leave there andshake 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. (Mk 6:7–13)

One of the biggest and the most important meetings or councils in the church, 2nd Vatican Council happened from 1962 to 1965, where more than 2000 bishops attended the sessions along with many priests and a few lay people. The most popular definition of the church coming from the Council is that the church is the people of God. And the associated idea is that all of us in the church, by virtue of our baptism, have a mission in the church. Or as Paul reminds us, God chose us in him (Jesus Christ), before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. We are chosen in Christ and Christ is giving instructions to his disciples who are going on mission.

1. He is sending them two by two. The mission is unique to each of us. But it’s not to be done alone. It is to be done in collaboration with others. More than my mission and his/her mission, we all are partners in the mission of Christ. As we speak a lot on synod these days, this Gospel reminds us that all of us form the church and all of us have a responsibility in the church. Our voices and actions are important.
2. They are not asked to take too many things along with them. In one sense, it’s a sign of poverty; but more than that, it’s a reminder that we are taking part in God’s mission and we have to depend on him for this mission. Trust and faith is again not just an individual affair, it’s also trusting together in God.
3. The disciples have an important mission, but they are called to respect the God given freedom to all of us. I may feel that the other person is not doing the right thing; I can pray for them, suggest to them, but ultimately let them choose their path.
4. These disciples were generous in their mission. They use their gifts, talents and charisms for the sake of others. God’s mission is never inward, but its always going out. No mission can end with ourselves.

To summarize, mission is collaborative, dependent on God, respects the freedom of individuals and invites generous sharing of gifts.