15TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME HOMILY – YEAR B 2024
MISSION IN FAITH OUT ON THE EVER CHANGING PATH OF LIFE
Mk 6.7-13 Amos 7.12-15 Eph 1.3-14
At different times in Christian history and practice, even up until now, some have taken this Gospel passage literally, and gone out with the best of intentions, with no supplies or spare clothes, to preach the message of Jesus and seek support from those with whom they come into contact. The trouble is it’s really not all that practical, and the general sense is that we have a responsibility to look after ourselves, and not expect others to provide our essentials, such as food, clothing and accommodation.
Good intentions are not sufficient to sustain us, and begging is not really an effective way of helping others in practice. Idealism has to be matched with practicality! So a spare pair of sandals and clothes might be a sensible option for heading out on a journey! A bit of forward planning and consideration of consequences and unpredictable conditions require a sensible approach to preparing for mission. Interpretation of Jesus’ words, as recorded by Mark, needs to be nuanced and grounded in practical realities of day to day life.
We are all a complex combination of the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual dimensions of life, and the challenge for each of us is to try to find a balance, recognizing our strengths and weaknesses, and supporting each other in our efforts to find meaning and purpose in life. Jesus’ message here is clear that priorities are to be based on working together and building Christian communities where Gospel values are to be lived and proclaimed. As Brendan Byrne SJ says that the emphasis is to be on: “trust in the goodness (hospitality of ordinary people) and the lack of self-seeking it presents to the world.”
So, here, on we go with Mark’s continuing the mission of Jesus with the support of his disciples, the focus being on hitting the road and getting on with the job, summed up as preaching and teaching, and following through on driving out the demons and healing the sick, in mind and body, with anointing first mentioned here.
There is an emphasis on not worrying too much about material things and sustenance, as that is presumed to come from people responding to those proclaiming the good news of Jesus and his kingdom of love, peace and justice at the ground level. It’s not about looking for a good time with the high and mighty or the wealthy, but engaging with the locals who are striving to live good lives and look after themselves and their families. The Gospel message is one of hope and mutual support, with belief in a God of love and life, who cares for each of his people, as Jesus portrays in word and deed, throughout his public ministry, from beginning to end.
There’s a warning here too against ‘social climbing’, in continuing to seek better conditions and opportunities by staying in the first house where a welcome was given and hospitality offered. Mission is not about seeking the most comfortable situation, and taking it easy from there. It’s about an ongoing commitment to spread the word and respond to the needs of those encountered along the way.
There are those who say we have to emphasize the sense of the sacred over the secular, but I’d say not without the balance of a practical sense of applying the message to daily life, and responding to the needs of those around us, and those of ourselves too. It’s not selfish to ensure we are secure and comfortable, along with those closest to us, but the message is not to just stay in our comfort zones, and to look beyond to what we can do to be people of good news for others too, by our engagement with them, and with a sense of service, as the Gospel commands!
A few weeks ago, at his 50th ordination anniversary Mass here, I mentioned Tony Feeney’s 25th anniversary card, where he included a Leunig reflection about the journey of life (cartoon), which can well be applied to discipleship in general and priestly ministry in particular here: “How to get there… Keep on going as far as you can. That’s how you get there.” And then he concludes with his own words of gratitude: “I thank you for… your faith, your friendship, your support and your encouragement.” Yes, we’re all on this journey together, supporting and encouraging each other along the way. As the poem says: “No man (no-one) is an island.” And so the journey goes on for all of us.
And it is NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) week, with the theme “Keep the fires burning. Black, loud and proud”, where we are reminded of the necessity to acknowledge our indigenous people, whose culture, beliefs, rights and gifts have so often been ignored. Speaking of simplicity and focus on what is truly important, we could well look to their traditions and customs, in the way they adapted to living on and off the land and sea, making the most of the tough environment in which they existed, appreciating the complexity of nature and yet the simplicity needed for a good life, and with their own deep spirituality.
Captain James Cook spoke of them, when beached by a reef, near what is now Cooktown (FNQ). In his Endeavour journal, he writes (23/08/1770): “From what I have said of the natives of New Holland, they may appear to some to be the most wretched people on earth, but in reality they are far more happier than we Europeans. Being wholly unacquainted with the superfluous but the necessary conveniences so much sought after in Europe, they are happy in not knowing the use of them. They live in a tranquillity which is not disturbed by the Inequality of Condition. The earth and sea of their own accord furnishes them with all things necessary for life… They think themselves provided with all the necessarys of life and that they have no superfluities.” Nevertheless, the collision of cultures in ensuing history led to a chasm of misunderstanding and abuse, which we have only begun to acknowledge and address in recent times.
And so we have our annual appeal for the “Open the Doors Foundation”, whereby educational opportunities are provided for indigenous children. Please consider making a contribution to this good cause.
john hannon 7th July 2024