Connections between today's Bible readings, clothing, music, life...; a challenge to dress our own lives (Col 3:12-14)
February 5, 2015
Agatha
February 5, 2015: St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr
'Angel with trumpet' pin: You haven't approached fire, darkness, storm, trumpet blast... but the city of God and angels... (1st reading)
'Blood drop' pin (oops, fell off on the way to work; watch for it either when I find it or give blood again, or look here): ...and the sprinkled Blood (1st reading)
Sandals (not shown): Wear sandals (gospel)
White and red shirt: St. Agatha, virgin and martyr
Jesus’ disciples must have no frills attached because the Gospel must be proclaimed in poverty; it's the good news of liberation: The mission of the Church is liberation, healing, caring. The Church is like a field hospital. So many need their wounds healed! Our mission is to heal, open doors, free people, and say God is our good, forgiving, tender, Father, waiting for us. Distracting attention from this proclamation misrepresents our mission and loses sight of what matters: bringing Christ to the poor, the blind, the prisoners. When we forget poverty and apostolic zeal and instead hope in human means, the Church becomes an NGO, beautiful and powerful but not evangelical, lacking that spirit, that poverty, that power to heal.
Jesus took the disciples with him to rest, but he didn't say, "You're great!" but, "Tell yourself, 'We're useless servants.'" The most beautiful praise for apostles is, "They were workers of the Kingdom," choosing Jesus’ path of proclamation, healing, proclaiming the good news, fostering peace, so people rediscover the Father.
Heb 12:18-19, 21-24 You haven't approached what could be touched, fire, darkness, storm, trumpet blast, and terrifying words; you've approached the city of God, angels in festal gathering, those enrolled in heaven, God the judge, spirits of the just, Jesus, and Blood that speaks more eloquently than Abel's.
Ps 48:2-4, 9-11 "O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple." Great is the Lord and wholly to be praised in the city of God. His mountain is the joy of the earth....
Mk 6:7-13 Jesus sent the Twelve out with authority, two by two. “Take only a walking stick–no food, sack, or money. If you're not welcomed or listened to, leave and shake the dust off your feet.” They preached repentance, drove out demons, and anointed and cured the sick.
Reflect
Creighton: "Marching orders": We don't wish for 'demons' but must battle them, and wounds can go deep. Jesus tells his disciples to travel vulnerable and keep their shoes on. Shaking the dust off your feet is fundamental to authority over demons.
One Bread One Body: "Talking blood": This is an age of martyrdom. Martyrs' blood cries out for justice. We live in oceans of innocent shed blood crying out for mercy for people of the culture of death....
Passionist: God is an approachable, merciful mediator and will provide us all we need to do his work. May I recognize when it's not my work to do and humbly shake the dust...
DailyScripture.net: Jesus gave his apostles power and authority to act in his name and told them to travel light; poverty of spirit frees us, making room for God's provision. He wants me to depend on him so he can work through me. Am I ready to place myself at his service?
Jesus’ disciples must have no frills attached because the Gospel must be proclaimed in poverty; it's the good news of liberation: The mission of the Church is liberation, healing, caring. The Church is like a field hospital. So many need their wounds healed! Our mission is to heal, open doors, free people, and say God is our good, forgiving, tender, Father, waiting for us. Distracting attention from this proclamation misrepresents our mission and loses sight of what matters: bringing Christ to the poor, the blind, the prisoners. When we forget poverty and apostolic zeal and instead hope in human means, the Church becomes an NGO, beautiful and powerful but not evangelical, lacking that spirit, that poverty, that power to heal.
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