Readings:
1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12
Mark 6:7-13
I remember as a child being so blown away by the bare minimum the disciples were instructed to take by Jesus it felt impossible to ask of. I reflect on the work trips I take now, working for the Passionist Youth Retreat Team, and how we certainly bring a lot more than just a spare tunic on our backs. While this scripture is certainly a product of its time, I don’t know the last time I picked up a haversack; for example, we can understand the point: be totally dependent on God.
How vulnerable and scary of an idea. To abandon all sense of self and identity and follow the call to be a disciple, trusting that the lord will provide all in the kindness of strangers. I think about the exciting saints throughout history who have followed this radical call to take nothing and trust and follow—especially that of our own St Paul of the Cross.
I wonder if you can take the time to reflect today, how ready would you be to be sent out taking nothing if Jesus asked you right now? While discipleship might look a lot more different today, the call to take nothing is still that of a mental and spiritual attitude. To totally abandon all in God’s hands and let him have the true sovereignty over our lives, resting all our salvation on him and him alone.
Claire O’Donohue is a current Oxley Passionist Youth Retreat Team member. While also in her final year of university, she is completing her bachelor’s degree with a major in visual art and theology.