Tools For Our Mission

We begin this short month of February with Marks version of the dispatching of the Twelve two by two on their first mission (Mk 6:7-13).  They were to take "nothing for the journey" , bless the families who welcomed them, and shake the dust from their feet where they were not welcomed.  Jesus wisely warned them that their mission would not always be successful.
We are all called to such a mission, perhaps not in as dramatic of direct way as these Twelve, but nevertheless, wherever we work, wherever we find ourselves, and especially within our families and communities, we are to be witnesses of the Word.
To be effective "missionaries" Bishop Robert Barron suggests that we need two qualities:  fear of the Lord and piety.  Fear of the Lord does not mean being afraid of God, but of giving him the first and principal place in our hearts.  We cannot "preach" what we do not hold within us. Along with this is piety, the desire and practice of honoring God above all, even ourselves and our wants and needs. Both "tools" go hand in hand and require a lifetime to hone and polish.  Even when they still require some work, we must use them as they are and in humility, let God fill in what's missing. Working with a community or with a companion in faith gives added impetus to our efforts.
We might find strength and inspiration in this prayer composed by Fr. Louis DelFra, C.S.C.

Lord, today you send your disciples out in mission, to spread the good news that the kingdom of God is now among us. You sent them two-by-two. Grant us both the zeal to spread the message of your Gospel wherever you have placed us in life, and grant us the support and encouragement of companionship in faith, that we may never lose heart in our daily efforts on your behalf. Amen. 

Bro. Rene