Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
July 15, 2012:

 

Amos 7: 12-15

Psalm 85: 9-14

Ephesians 1: 3-14

Mark 6: 7-13

 

What do you notice about Jesus' instructions to his apostles as he sends them off on mission? It seems to me that he's giving them good advice for successful ministry among strangers.  Go in pairs- both for mutual support and encouragement and to keep each other accountable to the mission.  Don't overpack- take the basics, but if you are self-sufficient, how will you be open to people helping YOU (and in the process, establishing relationships, which are the basis for conversion).  Stay in one place- be content, don't waste your energies by comparing potential accommodations and amenities. Hospitality was strongly valued in this culture, and by the apostles putting themselves in a place of vulnerability by needing the hospitality of strangers, the all-too-human tendency to regard the other as inferior could be diminished.

• Is there someone you are feeling called to share the Good News of the Gospel with now? 
• If so, how might you approach them, in light of today's Scripture?

The next Catechumenate Session will be on July 22.