Live 4 The LORD

​READ

7  And he called to him the Twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 •He charged them to take nothing for their journey except •a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, “Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11  And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave•, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them.” 12  So they went out and preached that men should repent. 13  And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.  (Mark 6:7–13, RSV2CE)

REFLECT ON PASSAGE

The Apostles (the leaders of the church) 

Were sent two by two (not alone)

Jesus gave authority over evil (authority given to leaders of the church for sacraments)

Jesus told them to be vulnerable and take no supplies (no food, money, or clothes) they are to rely upon God alone and His providence. 

Go to one place, stay, give the message. (One on one conviction)

If they refuse your message leave with shaking the dust off as a testimony against their rejection. 

The message is to repent. (Turn away from sin to God)

The Apostles cast out demons, anointed and healed. (The sacraments work through the leaders of the church)

REFLECT ON APPLICATION 

I am to go to the Catholic Church for my healing of sin through the sacraments (Baptism-Born Again by Spirit, Eucharist-Food of Divine Life, Anointing of the sick, Confession-for exorcism and reconciliation, etc) Not all Christian’s have this Authority to give these healings. Christ specifically gave the Authority to the Apostles. The Apostles handed it down by the laying on of hands through the Catholic Church. 

As a disciple I am to rely on Divine Providence. I am not to worry being sent out on mission without supplies. God is my portion and He will provide. 

Tell people the message of repentance. I am not to be upset if people reject it. I am only to be the messenger. If they reject, shake the dust off and move on. 

The message of repentance is that God wants reconciliation. He wants us to turn from sin that is killing us and turn to God for Grace powered life. He wants us to walk together with Him through life, fighting the evil within, with His knowledge, wisdom, and power of grace. 

Stay in the Catholic Church for your sacramental healing, this is how Christ set up the church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. 

REST

Thank you Jesus for reminding me that the sacraments are where you have given Authority to be healed. Thank you for giving them through your church that you will sustain. People may be weak but the church has the Authority. So I will not put my trust in the people of the church necessarily but to your Authority in it I can be sure. Thank you for the sacraments and wanting to walk with us through life. Thank you for giving us a grace filled life to combat the evil that threatens us. I love you and will rest in your love and care. Jesus I trust in You!!