Homily for the Week of July 15, 2012

Fifteenth Sunday B, 2012 First Reading: Amos 7:12–15 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85:9–10, 11–12, 13–14 Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3–14 [3–10] Gospel: Mark 6:7–13 If we would fast forward our calendars 2 or 3 thousand years our Bible readings would be describing those of us who are in church today. Amos, the man of our first reading, was not part of the religious establishment. He was a shepherd and a fruit grower. Yet, God spoke through him telling people that they needed to do more about their religion. God sent him. But it was not something he decided to do on his own. Our Gospel reading tells us how Jesus personally chose six pairs of persons who had been working on all kinds of jobs: some were fisherman, others were carpenters, others were unemployed. None of them had any college degrees or even formal education. None of them knew Jesus; none of them believed in Jesus. They are to take nothing upon which they can rely, but only their trust in Jesus’ word. They became the first missionaries. That is, a person sent out to do God's work. persons to help him tell the good news. Jesus offers no bonuses to those he chooses. After doing interviews Jesus chooses twelve persons to represent him. Try to imagine Jesus sitting at a table talking to his 12 chosen workers. He calls their names two by two; they step up to receive their destinations and directions. To each person he hands a walking stick. We must understand that before they met Jesus these twelve men all had money and quite a lot of possessions. Jesus gives them very specific instructions about what they are to pack—nothing! He insists that they take nothing with them except the walking stick and sandals on their feet, They are to take no supply of food, no bag of extra clothes, no briefcases full of notes, no computer, no cash or credit cards. They are to go completely empty-handed. For food, shelter, and clothing they are to depend on the hospitality of others. They needed only two things: minimal supplies -- the clothes on their back and a little oil to anoint the sick. Jesus was choosing his followers and his workers. Being chosen is one of our most common experiences.. Some of you may have been chosen to win a prize in a contest. Others may have been picked to play on a high school or summer sports team, or be a member of a card group. Today I had the joy of witnessing my niece choose her husband in marriage. In marriage, a man and a women choose each other for better or for worse until death parts them. One day years ago a bishop chose me to be a priest. Once they were picked they were given job descriptions. Jesus asks them to do a very simple job. They are to invite all persons they meet to repent, which means to make a 180 degree turn in their lives. Jesus tells us that they will be like sheep among wolves. At times their families may disown them. Jesus tells them that at times they will meet with opposition and be laughed at. At times they will be seen as a threat to others. Many will not believe a word of what they tell them. But they are not to argue with these persons. This mat be frightening, but add to this the fact that they might not have all of the convincing arguments to defend themselves. Jesus encourages them not to worry. But merely go on to another place. God had been choosing persons to speak for him for thousands of years. As I already mention in our First Reading we are told the story of how God chose Amos to be a prophet, the conscience of the people. But Amos wasn't trained; he never went to school; he had no education; he was never taught how to speak. But God chose Amos to change jobs to do God's work. On the day of our Baptism you and I were chosen by God. We were chosen to be holy and blameless. On that day we became an adopted child of God. We were given a lighted candle and told to keep it burning brightly as a reminder that we are followers of Christ. We were dressed in white as a sign of our dignity. The priest touched our baby ears and mouth saying: May the Lord soon touch your ears to receive his word, and your mouth to proclaim his faith. As persons chosen by God we are reminded to look at ourselves to see if we need a change in direction in our lives; if we need to return to God and put God at the CENTER of our lives. Today we are called to do exactly the same -- to travel light, not to be attached to the things of this world. Jesus calls us to trust in Him and not rely on the false securities of material possessions, success, popularity, and money. He sends us out into a world that seems to have forgotten God or that has rejected God. He calls us to bring people back to a knowledge and a love of God. Rather than to complain about the situations, we are invited to help heal the sick and comfort the dying, the depressed, the lonely and the unloved. Jesus tells us to expect to be rejected, or at least not to be accepted by everyone. Some of your closes friends and associates may even wonder why you practice your religion. Jesus tells us to expect it and when it comes, we should just keep on walking. At Baptism each of us were chosen by God. What has happened in your life since that day? Where has God been? Have you found yourself packing and unpacking? In what way have you been an example to others? Today thank God for something that you very much like about yourself; today ask God to help you with something which bothers you.