On the Back Porch
Reading, pondering and studying God’s Word is sometimes best done “on the back porch.” Each week we will try to offer something for you and your “back porch time.”
15th Sunday, Year B
What We Celebrate
Over the last several Sundays we have heard about various miracles JEsus has performed as part of the first phase of the Galilean ministry. In these miracles, Jesus exercises his power over nature, over sickness, and over death. And then Jesus comes to his own hometown. “There Jesus was not able to perform any miracles, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.” Not exactly the reaction one would hope for. What lies ahead?
In a way, this Sunday’s gospel is like a coach talking to the team at halftime, getting the team ready for the “2nd half.” In this case, the next phases of the Galilean mission. Jesus sends out “the twelve.” In this particular passage Mark does not refer to them as “apostles” (lit. the ones sent) but rather the “twelve.” Jesus sends them out with limited provisions or logistics support. He adds instructions as though He expects them to face resistance and failure. What reaction was Jesus hoping for>
There is a lot going on in this gospel. Take a moment “on the back porch” and find out more about this amazing Gospel.
Full Text of the Sunday Readings
Detailed Commentary
The Exhortation to the Apostles | James Tissot | ca. 1890 | Brooklyn Museum NYC | PD-US
Mission
A video from Fr. Casey Cole OFM – from his days in seminary while taking a missiology course. It is a video that makes the point that we make think about mission as a top-down endeavor by the great leaders of the early church. But take a moment, watch the video and understand how each of us have a place in the mission of evangelization.