15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Amo 7:12-15
Eph 1:3-14
Mk 6:7-13
…take nothing for the journey…
In today’s Gospel, Jesus sends His twelve disciples out in pairs on mission, giving them authority over unclean spirits. He instructs them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts—not even a spare tunic. The disciples set off with only the clothes on their backs.
I wonder if any of the disciples thought to themselves, “Really, Lord? Take nothing? How long is this journey?”
I have always considered packing for a trip an integral part of its success. Depending on the destination and purpose—whether it’s for business or leisure, a beach holiday or an overseas marathon—I always plan and pack meticulously, ensuring I have all the necessary documents, equipment, and clothes for the appropriate season and occasion. I also tend to overpack, leaving nothing to chance. This means that most times I would return from a trip with clothes that I never wore, and items that I never used.
Last year, I went on the Camino de Santiago, planning to walk 260 km from Porto to Santiago in 12 days. After 22 hours of travel, I finally landed in Porto, but my luggage did not. Surprisingly, I did not panic, which was quite uncharacteristic of me. Without even a ‘spare tunic’, I managed by buying a few essentials and borrowing my husband’s clothes until my luggage arrived a day later. That said, I’m not certain if I would have started the Camino had my luggage truly been lost.
Being my first Camino, I had packed so much for the trip that I had to send my luggage ahead to the next town each day, carrying with me only a day rucksack. On the way, I met many people walking with their full backpacks, including an elderly couple in their 60s from Hong Kong, whose bags weighed less than 6kg. How did they manage to fit all their journey essentials in so little? Perhaps we have a different understanding of what are considered essentials, because they really needed very little to get going.
In today’s Gospel, the disciples were sent out with only the authority over unclean spirits and the clothes on their backs. They were not to bring food, spare clothes, or money. Traveling light showed the urgency of their mission—they could move quickly from place to place without being burdened by baggage. This was especially important if they encountered rejection or hostility; they could simply move on without delay.
I marvel at the faith of the disciples. How were they able to just drop everything and follow Jesus when He first called them, leaving behind their livelihoods, homes, and families without hesitation. And here, when instructed to take nothing with them on their mission, they just set off, trusting that God would provide for their needs on their journey.
Though there was a law of hospitality in biblical times, where people were expected to treat strangers as guests and provide food, drink, and shelter for them, it wasn’t always adhered to; as Jesus acknowledged by telling the disciples to leave any place that did not welcome them. Despite these uncertainties, the disciples’ faith enabled them to do the work they were sent out to do — preaching repentance, casting out devils, and curing the sick.
Today’s Gospel calls us to reflect on our relationship with the Lord. How much do we trust in His providence, allowing us to focus on the work He calls us to do? Do we let uncertainties overwhelm us, preventing us from even starting our mission? Brothers and sisters, do you trust that the Lord will equip you with what you need for your journey?
(Today’s OXYGEN by Esther Leet)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to deepen our faith and trust in Your providence each day. May we, like the disciples in today’s Gospel, respond to Your call with unwavering courage and without hesitation. Grant us the grace to rely solely on Your guidance and provision. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Thank You, Lord, for Your constant provision and for reminding us that You will always give us what we need for our journey. We are grateful for Your steadfast love and care, which sustain us through every challenge. Amen.
OXYGEN 
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