Together in Mission

HOMILY: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Mark 6:7-13

14 July 2024

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

There is a quote that says: “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.” There is wisdom in working in a team. To work alone, we may get things done faster because we have no one to contradict us. On the other hand, it also means we could burn out faster. In a team, everyone’s strengths come into play to help achieve the goal. The journey may take longer but it is more enjoyable and the difficulties are easier to bear.  We, Filipinos know that it is more enjoyable to work with others for something worthwhile.

In the gospel passage from Mark, Jesus gives the disciples very specific instructions for their missionary task.  He sends them out into the world where they preach repentance, heal the sick and drive out demons. However, what I find most interesting among Jesus’ instructions is the act of sending out his disciples in pairs. The Gospel of Mark states: “Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits.” (Mark 6:7) Moreover, we ask: “Why”?  Wouldn’t it be more efficient; wouldn’t they be able to cover more ground if they were sent out individually? Now after some reflection, may I suggest three (3) reasons for this particular instruction — the task was difficult, the task required teamwork and there was a need for witnessing and accountability.

First, Jesus has given the disciples a daunting task; hence, they are not sent alone but with partners (“two by two”). Let us accept that work becomes a lot easier when we have a helper, but it is also important to have someone to support us when we feel weak or discouraged. It is quite easy to be discouraged if we find ourselves alone to bear psychological and emotional burdens. The encouragement and support that another can give is a gift that can sustain anyone especially those tasked with proclaiming the Good News.

Second, the work of spreading the Good News is always collaborative. If one is out healing people by himself/herself, it would be very easy to start taking all the credit. Ministers/missionaries/pastors ought to be cautious since he/she could develop false claims about himself/herself. It is so easy to get drunk on the adulation and praise from others.  On the other hand, we also must caution ourselves not to be mindless blind followers to these self-proclaimed messiahs, and anointed ones.

My third and last point is:  we need to have someone to hold another accountable. This is important! We have the duty to give an account of our stewardship. We are to be responsible for our given time, talent and treasure not only for ourselves but for others as well. Having someone in the work with us is also important so that we can hold each other accountable.

In my previous parish, I had to do a lot of pep talks to the different parish groups to remind them of the importance of working together in the fulfilment of the parish mission. It is important to remind ourselves that it is not a “we against them” scenario nor it is a competition. Almost always, a more collaborative approach produces better results. Besides, we always have to remember that this is God’s work, not our own. The Gospel primarily teaches us to look to the One whom we are serving and to depend on Him rather than on our own strengths.

Let us pray that God will equip us with everything and everyone we need for a fruitful mission! We are assured that we will never be alone. Let us take heed of Jesus’ instructions. Let us count on Jesus’ word and rely on His promise to be with us every step of the way!