Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr
Readings: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12; 1 Chronicles 29:10, 11ab, 11d-12a, 12bcd; Mark 6:7-13
Summary
Be a man! So they went off and preached repentance. In your hand are power and might; it is yours to give greatness and strength to all. They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them (1 Kgs 2:2b; Mk 6:12; 1 Chr 29:12b; Mk 6:13).
Sometimes we use shorthand to say the most profound things. King David’s final words, instructing Solomon, to be a man! What did he mean to be a man?
Reflection
In our first reading today David describes being a man as one who has the fortitude, purpose and obedient alignment with the Lord God.
The Mission of the Twelve.
If your sons so conduct themselves that they walk before me in faithfulness with their whole heart and soul, there shall never be wanting someone of your line on the throne of Israel (1 Kgs 2:4bc).
In our gospel portion today, in a similar but superior way, Jesus provides the ability to change the world with fortitude and purpose.
He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits (Mk 6:7).
Personal Reflection
The Mission. We are invited into he mission of Jesus and his Twelve. not identically but proportionally and with the particular charism we all possess.
I cannot think of a better way to spend the day today.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020526.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
There is a big parade in Sicily fir saint Agata. They sometimes also show it on the news and when she was a child my daughter( named Agata) thought it was for her and couldn’t understand why the celebration if it was not her birthday. Not that her birthday would have teach the national news anyway but she was also a kind ifborotaginist to be I guess😜
LOL!! Protagonista? Oh, Mom, these kids!