Making a Difference
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Amos 7:12–15 / Psalm 85:8 / Ephesians 1:3–14 [1:3–10] / Mark 6:7–13
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Reflecting on the Word
By Dr. Karla J. Bellinger
A preschooler reaches up and beams, “I love you, Mommy.” A young father stops the homilist and says, “Your preaching has helped me to trust God more.” A cashier looks at the hospital chaplain with tears in her eyes and murmurs, “Thank you for your kind words on the day that my husband died.”
There are few things so rewarding as making a difference in someone’s life. To touch people’s lives warms the giver’s heart. The elation of helping others is very real.
Today, Jesus sends the apostles out two by two. Imagine the excitement to be given the authority to do the “mighty deeds” of the Teacher! The delight at seeing demons fall, the euphoria of healing the sick, and the conversion of the broken-hearted—can you picture it? That had to be exhilarating.
The prophet Amos was sent from taking care of his sheep to prophesy to the people of Israel. To be on a mission is motivating. Fire burns within and propels us forward: “Come on! Let’s go!”
Those moments of elation keep us giving. The satisfaction of helping others keeps us going. Yet Jesus provided the Twelve with nothing for the journey. They were not permitted to be self-sufficient. They had to work in solidarity with one another. Why? Perhaps Jesus knew the temptations to grow proud and to get puffed up, to feel heroic. The human emotion of being on a mission is just part of the story. God is the Hero of heroes. St. Paul says that we are chosen for a purpose, God’s purpose. We serve for the praise of God’s glory.
It is the living God who wants to be at work through us. That is the supreme cause for rejoicing. Imagine that joy!
Consider/Discuss
- Over and over again, we are free to choose whether to serve others or serve ourselves, whether to give glory to God or to ourselves, whether to follow God’s purpose or our own. Within one lifetime, those daily choices form who we are and what we become. What would you like to do today?
- Tell stories of grace. How has someone warmed your life? Whose mission has gladdened the way you see the world? How has God been at work through others to hearten and heal and encourage you?
Living and Praying with the Word
Holy Spirit, you have poured love into our hearts. You are the strength and the power beneath our acts of kindness and compassion. We do nothing without your grace. Jesus, you look upon our bravery; you look upon our meager efforts to serve you; you look upon our “mighty deeds,” and you smile a thousand smiles. For you love us. You know that it is serving others that makes life worth living. Heavenly Father, you have created us that way, and so you give us those opportunities to make a difference for each other. Thank you, Holy Trinity, for your grace. Thank you for your mercy. Thank you for your kindness.