FIRST READING
Amos 7:12–15
Amaziah, priest of Bethel, said to Amos, “Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.” Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 85:9–10, 11–12, 13–14 (8)
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD—for he proclaims peace. Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
SECOND READING
Longer Form Ephesians 1:3–14
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.
or:
Shorter Form Ephesians 1:3–10
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of God’s grace that he granted us in the beloved.
In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
ALLELUIA
see Ephesians 1:17–18
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Mark 6:7–13
Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick— no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
REFLECTIONS:
What kind of authority and power does the Lord Jesus
want you to exercise on his behalf? Jesus gave his apostles both the power
and the authority to speak and to act in his name. He commanded them to
do the works which he did to heal, to free people from the power of the
evil one, and to speak the word of God the good news of the gospel which
they received from Jesus. When Jesus spoke of power and authority he did
something unheard of. He wedded power and authority with love and humility.
The "world" and the "flesh" seek power for selfish gain. Jesus teaches
us to use it for the good of our neighbor. The Lord Jesus commissions all
the members of his body the church to be his ambassadors and missionaries
to bring the good news of the gospel to all peoples, lands, and nations.
He freely pours out his Holy Spirit upon each one of us so that we may
have the confidence and boldness to speak and act in his name wherever
he places and sends us.
Why does Jesus tell the apostles to "travel light" with little or no
provision? "Poverty of spirit" frees us from greed and preoccupation with
possessions and makes ample room for God's provision. The Lord wants his
disciples to be dependent on him and not on themselves. He wills to work
through and in each one of us for his glory. Are you ready to handle the
power and authority which God wishes you to exercise on his behalf? The
Lord entrusts us with his gifts and talents. Are you eager to place yourself
at his service, to do whatever he bids you, and to witness his truth and
saving power to whomever he sends you?
"Lord Jesus, make me a channel of your grace and healing love that others
may find life and freedom in you. Free me from all other attachments that
I may joyfully pursue the things of heaven. May I witness the joy of the
gospel both in word and deed."
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