15th Sunday - B (July 15, 2012)

Commentary
Mark 6: 7-13

Nothing Will Stop Jesus from Doing His Mission

Last week we learned that Jesus was rejected by those who knew him in his own native place.  Mark reports that "he was not able to perform any mighty deed there apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them."  Mark then adds, "He was amazed at their lack of faith."

That last sentence we heard a week ago is the first part of verse 6 in this chapter in Mark's Gospel.

Reading the second half of the same verse, we find Jesus going "around to the villages in the vicinity teaching." (This part is not included in the Gospel passage for either last Sunday or this Sunday).

Rejection and the lack of faith of people in one area, even if it is his own native place, does not stop Jesus from continuing the mission that the Father has sent him to accomplish.

Moreover, Jesus is seen here in this passage sending out the Twelve to do what he has been doing up to this point in his minitry.  They are to preach repentance, drive out demons and cure the sick.  [1]

In a sense, the lack of faith and rejection of the people of Nazareth does not stop Jesus from doing what he is sent to do.  Through his Apostles, Jesus is now doing even more. 

How do I react when things get tough or when people reject my efforts in doing what Jesus calls me to do?

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[1] Francis J. Moloney, This is the Gospel of the Lord - Year B.  Homebush, NSW, Australia: St. Paul Publications,1993; p. 164.