Fully Living
“He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick –no food, no sack, no money in their belts.” (Mark 6:8)
“He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick –no food, no sack, no money in their belts.” (Mark 6:8)
My sister and I were desperate to leave the first day we arrived in Haiti. We were so excited before we got there, but we quickly realized it was not what we had expected at all. I don’t know what teenagers expect mission trips to be like, but I do know that we weren’t prepared for what we had said yes to.
After some time, my discomfort was won over by the people we encountered. Their kindness towards me helped me realize that I had been placing material things and pride above Christ. I felt convicted that I was not fully living as a true disciple, but rather selfishly for my own comfort. I decided it was time to fully invest in my relationship with Christ and share His love with others.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus sends out his disciples to bring the good news to others, without food or money. This challenged them to rely deeply on the Lord and to fully dive into their ministry. Sometimes God is also going to call us to step out of our comfort zones. He may ask us to evangelize, and we may not feel prepared or equipped, but those are the moments God can use us the most.
Am I currently living my life fully as a disciple of Christ or have I been holding back for some reason?
Jesus, nothing but you can truly satisfy our hearts. Help us to follow you with greater zeal and to exemplify your love to the people around us. Amen.
Christine Moore teaches religion and is the Director of Religious Education at the Cathedral School of St. Jude. She strives to inspire students to deepen their relationship with Christ and to encounter the beauty of the Catholic faith. Outside the classroom, Christine enjoys writing, hammocking, spending time with her loved ones, and playing volleyball and pickleball.
