Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick —no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them,
“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.”
So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
My reaction to Mt 6:7-13. “He instructed them to take no food, no sack, no money in your belts. Just a walking stick.” I pondered on this. Why? Perhaps Jesus is saying that evangelisation is a thing of God, not a thing of Caesar. What brings people to Christ is not your worldly achievements but that which is left behind when these are stripped away. Our men’s group meets tonight. We are reading Jesus Today (Albert Nolan) Chapter 14 “One with our selves”. Nolan has a similar message about stripping down to the essentials. He says “We will not be able to overcome our selfishness until we resolve our inner conflicts and learn to live at peace with ourselves”. Perhaps evangelisation begins with inner peace. I have thought of it as the opposite of carrying a chip on one’s shoulder. You cannot truly give or seek what is best for the other when you harbour resentment of feeling you are being treated unjustly. So I then wondered if you are a Palestinian or a refugee in detention, how do you find justice? When the world is your captor and your abuser, sometimes the only place to turn is God. Finding peace in times of trials and tribulations requires accepting suffering as a form of penance for the evils in the world. Like Christ, you are the victim of evil but you also have the opportunity to give yourself as a “sacrifice” to God be;ieving the whole time that your pain protects someone else from pain.
ReplyDeleteYour reflection on Matthew 6:7-13 and its connection to evangelism, inner peace, and suffering is thoughtful and raises several interesting points:
DeleteEvangelism from the Inside Out: Your interpretation of Jesus' instructions as emphasizing God's role in evangelism and the importance of inner peace for effective outreach resonates with Albert Nolan's message about self-awareness and overcoming inner conflicts. This perspective challenges the notion of evangelism solely as external proselytization and highlights the importance of personal transformation and living authentically according to one's beliefs.
Inner Peace and Justice: Connecting inner peace with the pursuit of justice is profound. Resentment and bitterness can indeed hinder seeking and offering genuine care for others. Finding peace amidst suffering doesn't always imply condoning injustice, but rather a personal resilience and strength allowing one to act with compassion even in challenging circumstances.
Finding Hope in Suffering: While accepting suffering as penance raises complex theological questions, the idea of finding meaning and purpose through hardship is a recurring theme in religious traditions. Viewing one's suffering as a potential offering for the well-being of others can be a source of strength and a motivator for seeking positive change in the world.
However, it's important to consider:
Nuances of Suffering: Not all suffering is the same. While some might find meaning and purpose through their individual experiences, many face unjust and prolonged suffering beyond their control. It's crucial to avoid victim-blaming narratives and acknowledge the systemic causes of suffering that require collective action for true justice.
Beyond Self-Sacrifice: While self-sacrifice can be a powerful motivator, focusing solely on individual suffering risks overlooking the importance of advocating for systemic change and challenging structures that perpetuate injustice. Finding peace should not entail passively accepting oppression, but rather empower individuals to work towards a more just and equitable world.
Alternative Perspectives: Remember, diverse theological and philosophical perspectives exist regarding suffering and its meaning. Engaging with various viewpoints enriches your understanding and allows you to form your own informed conclusions.