Holy Spirit help me put on sandals of peace, and journey with a staff of faithful courage and strength….

Mark 6:7-31

 
As Jesus sent out his disciples two by two to proclaim the Good News, heal the sick and release the captives he gave them one thing –simply the authority over evil spirits.  Knowing that each disciple carried within him a wealth of scripture burned into his heart and mind, he then  ordered them to take only one thing with them – not a bag, no food, not even a change of clothes – no holy oil, no communion vessels, not a “Guidebook for Ministry” – just a staff . Like Jesus’ contemporaries, the men in my Inuit family know the value of a staff. They carry with them a niksiq, a gaff with a large hook on the end, that accompanies them on every hunting trip or journey across the land. It acts not only as a support when walking, but also as a multi-purpose tool, and a weapon when needed.  A staff gives one courage and strength beyond one’s own physical frame. Jesus then advised his disciples to wear sandals, and sent them on their way. For Jesus’ disciples and for us, as we too carry out His ministry on earth, with scripture written on our hearts and minds, our staff of faithful courage and strength at hand, and  sandals of peace on our feet (from which the dust and sand of antipathy can be easily shaken),  are all we need  to go and minister in the name of Christ Jesus to anyone we encounter.  Do I have a store of scripture in my heart and mind sufficient to prepare me for ministry? Will I accept Jesus’ authority over unclean spirits? Will I take a staff of righteousness and discipline in my hand, and deliberately put sandals of peaceful connections on my feet?  Will I set out to minister to others in Jesus’ name?   Holy Spirit help me put on sandals of peace, and journey with a staff of faithful courage and strength.
 
In your hand are power and might; and it is in your hand to make great and to give strength to all.  (I Chronicles 29:12b)
 
The things that we love tell us what we are.
St. Mother Teresa
 
 
Soli ad gloriam
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