Ministry for the Lord

Mark 6 : 7 - 13

...he called to him.....and began to send them out....and gave them authority

This passage reminds us how "ministry" begins. The Lord calls us to himself - first there is a relationship with him, and we hope, a deepening one. We are people who are growing to know him more intimately, and we hear his "call". The sheep hear the Shepherd's voice and go to him. They can distinguish his voice from that of false shepherds.

Only from being with Christ, aligning ourselves to him, are we "sent out" by him. Any other activity may often be self imposed and lead to burnout or pride in one's own achievements. And this is reiterated further when we are told that he "gave them authority". All our gifts for ministry come from the Lord, and again this is extremely humbling and counter cultural. It is a real temptation once we begin to serve, to think that it is "our service" for the Lord - when it is first of all an invitation and a graced opportunity to participate in his mission.

We are also reminded to "travel light". This is a call to poverty of spirit that frees us from preoccupation with ourselves and what we can do. By holding on to fewer and fewer securities, we learn to depend more and more on the Lord; we have empty hands to receive God's provision.

Let us each listen to the call, be ready to accept the task given and the gifts granted with humble and trusting hearts.