Day 9
Jesus called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. Mark 6.7-13
For many years, the Church in many parts of the world has been the dominant religious culture. When “everyone” is a Christian, all we as religious leaders have to do is teach our children the faith, make them good disciples. That is changing. It is no longer enough to make disciples. We need to make apostles, ambassadors, folks who will go out into the world taking the Good News of Jesus’ victory to every corner of the earth. As we come to the close of our fifty day Easter festival, we should hear Jesus’ message again, not only about what we need to learn to be good disciples, but where he is sending us to be his apostles.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.
St. Augustine's Chapel 