February 6, 2025

Mark 6:7-13

In this reading, Jesus summoned the twelve disciples and began to send them out two by two to minister to the people, to spread the Word of the Gospel, and to heal the sick. To spread these teachings, Jesus did not try to change the religious authorities of the time.  He did not try to convert the existing religious structures to conform with his message. He did not try to reform systems.  Instead, he empowered his disciples to spread the word person to person, and to heal each individual person they encountered.  For this great mission, did they need money and provisions?  No, he taught them to go out without money, without food, not even a bag to hold things, and to rely on the kindness of strangers and the serendipity of the Holy Spirit. 

There are lessons here for us in our current situation. We cannot take on entire government systems, but we can reach out person to person to care for each other, to spread the word, and to advocate for people’s needs. We do not need any particular resources or funds to do this. Likewise, while we do not have the power to reinstate EPA guidelines, we can take individual action to care for the earth, to speak out against polluters, and to care for native plants and pollinators. Go out two by two, linking arms with those who seek peace and justice.