From the Gospel according to 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 from there. 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.
It is Jesus who calls, who sends, who gives authority, and the disciples preach, cast out demons, anoint, and heal. But it is not they who do it, it is Jesus. All power belongs to Him. He is the Word; He is the One who casts out demons and who heals. How important it is to know that the initiative always belongs to God. He looked upon the humility of His servant. For Him to be able to act in us, in our marriage, in the mission… He needs our humility, our “yes,” and our awareness of our own nothingness.
(Sunday, after having served as custodians at a Conjugal Love Project retreat)
Shawn: Today the Lord has put me in truth. During the retreat there were several moments when I felt important, like the main character. I internally gloried in myself, taking for myself the glory that belongs only to God.
Matilda: Well, it’s normal to be aware of your self-giving and of the fruits it bears in other marriages.
Shawn: Yes, but I know what happened in my heart. I took for myself part of what belongs only to the Lord. I recognized myself as a thief, I felt great shame and pain and then a great joy at seeing myself as such a small thing.
Matilda: Do you want us to pray the Magnificat?
Shawn: Yesss. I need it.
Shawn and Matilda: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord…
Do not allow any vainglory in me. Place me in truth so that I may know that He is the Lord. Blessed and praised be the Lord forever.
